Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Hepp

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., petitioned this Court pursuant to Rule 5, Ala. R.App. P., for permission to appeal from the trial court's denial of its motion for a summary judgment in this retaliatory-discharge case. We granted the petition, and we reverse and remand.

Facts and Procedural History

Peter Gregory Hepp was employed at a Wal-Mart discount department store as a manager in the "tire and lube express" service center. In November 1996, Hepp injured his back while on the job. He underwent back surgery and in November 1997 filed an action against Wal-Mart seeking workers' compensation benefits.…