Wheeler v. Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle

At issue in this case is whether workers’ compensation benefits representing replacement for lost wages should be deducted from a jury award of damages arising out of claims based on handicap discrimination, retaliation, and negligent supervision.

Facts

Catherina Wheeler, hereafter referred to as the Plaintiff, was hired in 1979 as head housekeeper of St. Thomas Center, a conference facility owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle (Archdiocese). In 1981, Plaintiff was promoted to executive housekeeper. In April 1984, the Archdiocese hired Norbert Patton as director of maintenance at the…