June 4, 2023

Volume XIII, Number 155

Advertisement
Advertisement

June 03, 2023

Subscribe to Latest Legal News and Analysis

June 02, 2023

Subscribe to Latest Legal News and Analysis
Advertisement

Missouri Supreme Court Lowers Burden of Proof For Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Claims

The Missouri Supreme Court has issued a decision that significantly lowers the burden of proof for employee claims of workers’ compensation retaliation under the law. Under the new standard announced in Templemire v. W&M Welding, Inc.issued on April 15, 2014, the employee need only prove that filing such a claim was a “contributing factor” in the employment decision.  To prevail under the previous standard, an employee was required to prove that filing a workers’ compensation claim was the “exclusive” reason for his/her discharge or other adverse action by the employer.

This decision, which overrules 30 years of Missouri court decisions that applied the exclusive causation requirement, makes it substantially easier for employees to prevail on claims of workers’ compensation retaliation. However, the Court found that nothing in the language of Section 287.780 requires an employee to show exclusive causation. It reasoned that the “contributing factor” standard that applies to claims of discrimination and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act and claims for wrongful termination in violation of public policy should apply to workers’ compensation retaliation claims.

The Court rejected the employer’s assertion that lowering the burden of proof would make Section 287.780 a “job security act” because the employer would effectively be prevented from taking adverse action once an employee files a workers compensation claim.

Lowering the burden of proof exposes employers to greater risk of liability when taking or threatening to take adverse action against an employee who has filed a workers’ compensation claim. Even in situations where the employer has a legitimate reason for discharge, such as insubordination, the employee will argue that the decision was motivated, at least in part, by the fact that he or she filed a workers’ compensation claim.

In short, it is important that you train your managers and supervisors not to retaliate in any way against employees exercising their rights under the workers’ compensation laws. Moreover, before terminating or taking other negative employment action against an employee who has filed a workers’ compensation claim, you should ensure that your reasons are well-documented and consider consulting legal counsel to help minimize the risk.

© Copyright 2023 Armstrong Teasdale LLP. All rights reserved National Law Review, Volume IV, Number 119
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

About this Author

Michael Kass, Labor, Employment, Attorney, Armstrong Teasdale, law firm
Partner

Michael Kass is chair of Armstrong Teasdale's Employment and Labor Law practice group and is a former co-chair of the firm's Non-Compete/Trade Secrets practice group. He guides organizations, from small closely-held businesses to Fortune 100 companies, through the complex issues faced when managing employees.

Michael defends employers and their managers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. Such...

314-552-6673
Shelley Ericsson, Labor, Employment, Attorney, Armstrong Teasdale, law firm
Partner

Shelley Ericsson provides practical, sophisticated advice to complex legal problems unique to the labor and employment arena.

In state and federal courts and before state, federal, and local administrative agencies, Shelley defends employers in matters involving claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wages. With a deep knowledge of employment law policies and an eye on the ever-changing economic reality, she litigates matters such as Title VII, Section 1981, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Americans with...

816-472-3143
Jovita M. Foster, Armstrong Teasdale Law Firm, Labor Law Attorney
Partner

Jovita Foster is an accomplished litigator working with small- to medium-sized businesses, public utilities, and Fortune 100 and 500 companies in all facets of employment and labor law.

In state and federal jurisdictions and in front of the Appeals Tribunal, Jovita defends employers and managers in disputes involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, violations of public policy, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and unemployment appeals. She successfully defends employers and managers in arbitration. Jovita also represents broker-dealers in...

314-552-6698