Patrick v. Femco Southeast, Inc.

This case arises from an alleged wrongful termination. The plaintiff/employee, Terry Patrick, contends that he was laid off because he claimed workman's compensation benefits. The plaintiff sued in the Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County, and the jury returned a verdict for the defendant/employer, Femco Southeast, Inc. ("Femco"). We affirm.

Patrick was employed as a welder by Femco from 1986 until February 1, 1988. Upon returning to work after a leave of absence caused by an on-the-job injury, Patrick was informed by Tom Whitesell, the plant manager, that he was being laid off "for a while" and…