Fitzgerald v. Pratt

Plaintiff, Cathy Fitzgerald, sued defendants, Paul Pratt and Pratt & Callis, P.C., for sexual harassment, assault, and failure to provide a safe workplace. The circuit court dismissed the action ruling that section 5(a) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act barred her claim. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 48, par. 138.5(a).) Plaintiff appealed. We affirm in part, reverse in part and remand for further proceedings.

Plaintiff worked as a secretary for Paul Pratt, P.C., from August 1978 until her termination in September 1984. In 1986, Paul Pratt, P.C., merged with another law firm to become…