Sontag v. Orbit Valve Co., Inc.

John I. Purtle, Justice.

The trial court dismissed appellee, one of three defendants, from a tort action which was brought by the widow and heirs of one of appellee’s employees. Appellants argue on appeal that the heirs of decedent may pursue a wrongful death action for mental anguish and punitive damages for an intentional tort committed by the employer even though the Workers’ Compensation benefits ordinarily is the exclusive remedy for physical injury to an employee. We uphold the ruling by the trial court.

The complaint filed by the widow and heirs of decedent, who died from self-inflicted…