Johnson v. Cargill, Inc.

OPINION

FRANKS, J.

In this action for retaliatory discharge, the determinative issue on appeal is whether there is material evidence to support the jury’s verdict awarding both compensatory and punitive damages.

Plaintiff worked at a mill owned by defendant, sustained a neck injury and filed suit for workers’ compensation benefits in April of 1986. The parties settled the claim in April of 1987 with plaintiff receiving a medical impairment rating of 25% and a permanent partial disability rating of 40% to the body. In September of 1986, plaintiff was released by his physician to return to work,…