Sarah was employed at Carlson Printing Company as the Sales Manager. After a year on the job, Paul became her new supervisor. Paul was constantly yelling at Sarah and telling her she was stupid. Sarah was so nervous when Paul was around that she started to stutter. After working with Paul for 6 months, Sarah sought treatment from a psychiatrist for depression. Shortly thereafter, Sarah quit her job and filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit against Carlson Printing Company.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sarah has a valid claim for constructive discharge, which occurs when an employer creates working conditions that are so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to quit. Paul's constant yelling and derogatory comments caused Sarah to become depressed, seek psychiatric treatment, and quit her job. Therefore, Carlson Printing Company could be liable for wrongful discharge. Option A is incorrect because employee-at-will status does not protect employers from wrongful termination claims in all situations. Option C is incorrect because constructive discharge can also amount to wrongful discharge. Finally, option D is incorrect because the supervisor's actions can be attributed to the employer if they occurred within the scope of their employment.

Sarah Was Employed at Carlson Printing Company as the Sales