Other Workplace Torts

• Author: Laura M. Franze
• Pages: 395-442

30-1

Chapter 30

OTHER WORKPLACE TORTS

By Laura M. Franze

30:1. INTRODUCTION

30:2. INDIRECT EMPLOYER NEGLIGENCE: RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR

A. Overview

B. Employer-Employee Relationship

C. Course and Scope of Employment

1. Course and Scope Defined

2. Intentional Torts Generally Not Within Course and Scope

30:3. DIRECT NEGLIGENCE

A. Overview

B. Elements of Direct Negligence Claim

1. Duty/Breach

2. Proximate Cause and Injury

a. Cause-In-Fact

b. Foreseeability

C. Direct Negligence Theories Recognized in Texas

1. Negligent Hiring

a. Duty

b. Breach

c. Causation

i. Cause-In-Fact

ii. Proximate Cause

2. Negligent Retention

3. Negligent Training and Supervision

4. Negligent Entrustment

5. Negligent Misrepresentation

6. Negligent Credentialing

TEXAS EMPLOYMENT LAW 30-2

D. Direct Negligence Theories Not Recognized in Texas

1. Negligent Interference With Familial Relations

2. Negligent Termination

3. Negligent Investigation

4. Negligent Drug Testing

5. Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

E. Common Law Defenses to Negligence Claims

30:4. INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

A. Overview

B. Elements

1. Availability of Alternative Statutory Cause of Action

2. Extreme and Outrageous Conduct

a. Termination

b. Harassing and Retaliatory Conduct

c. Assault, Humiliation, Ostracism

d. Questioning Employees

3. Severe Emotional Distress

4. Intent or Recklessness

5. Causation

30:5. TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS

A. Overview

B. Tortious Interference With Existing Contract

1. Existing Contract

2. Intentional and Willful Interference

3. Proximate Cause

4. Actual Damages or Loss

C. Tortious Interference With Prospective Contract (Business Relationship)

1. Reasonable Probability of Business Relationship

2. Defendant Acted With Malice

3. Causation

4. Actual Damages or Loss

D. Defenses to Tortious Interference Claims

1. Privilege

2. No Third-Party Interference

30-3 OTHER WORKPLACE TORTS

30:6. ASSAULT AND BATTERY

A. Elements

B. Respondeat Superior Issues

30:7. FRAUD AND NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION

A. Fraud

1. Material Misrepresentation

2. Knowledge of Falsity or Reckless Disregard of Truth

3. Intent to Induce Action

4. Detrimental Reliance

B. Negligent Misrepresentation

1. Negligent and False Representation in Course of Business

2. Pecuniary Loss Because of Justifiable Reliance

30:8. FALSE IMPRISONMENT

A. Elements

B. Employer Responsibility for False Imprisonment of Customers

C. Employer Responsibility for False Imprisonment of Employees

30:9. MALICIOUS PROSECUTION

A. Elements

B. Burdens of Proof

C. Unlawful Retaliation

30:10. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES

A. Employer Liability for Employee Negligence

B. Employee Testing

30:11. SPECIAL PRECLUSION AND PREEMPTION DEFENSES

A. Overview

B. Workers’ Compensation Preclusion—Exclusive Remedy Clause

1. General Effect of Exclusivity Provision

2. Exclusive Remedy Provision Does Not Apply to Third Parties

3. Employer’s Intentional Torts Are Not Within Exclusive Remedy Clause

4. Other Limits on Exclusive Remedy Clause

5. The Personal Animosity Proviso