Wilkinson v. Shoney's, Inc.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Larson, J.:

Raymond Wilkinson sued Shoney’s and its agent in unemployment compensation matters, National Employers’ Council, Inc. (NEC), after being fired from his management position at Shoney’s and having his unemployment benefits claim challenged. Wilkinson alleged claims for defamation, malicious prosecution (malicious defense), wrongful discharge/ breach of implied employment contract, and negligent misrepresentation. A juiy awarded Wilkinson damages of $533,271 and recommended the imposition of punitive damages, which were assessed by the court in…