Dionne Baughman v. World Acceptance Corporation, et al.

Norman, Oklahoma employment law lawyer represented the Plaintiff who sued on an intentional infliction of emotional distress.



Plaintiff, Dionne Baughman, filed suit against her former employer, World Acceptance Corporation of Oklahoma, Inc., and its parent corporation, World Acceptance Corporation. Baughman's petition presented a single claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Baughman alleged that she was fired while on short-term disability leave due to mental health concerns stemming from multiple stressors, including a prior cancer diagnosis.

Defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing Baughman's exclusive remedy would fall under the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act. The trial judge initially granted the motion; however, after the case was reassigned, the new judge reversed the ruling. Defendants subsequently filed this appeal from an interlocutory order appealable by right, and the Chief Justice retained the matter by special order.



Reversed