Search
 

Former sales clerk may have valid Workers’ Compensation claim for stress, court rules

Sales clerk told by supervisor to falsify orders shouldn't have been denied workers comp.

By Rosalie L. Donlon | Updated on July 31, 2015

Jeremy Cox began working for Saks Fifth Avenue as a sales associate in the handbag department in November 2011, just before the holiday shopping season. In April 2012, he filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, alleging that he developed anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, insomnia and weight loss due to work-related stress. Following hearings, a New York State Workers’ Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) agreed that Cox had a valid claim. The full Workers’ Compensation Board reversed the ruling, finding that Cox hadn’t demonstrated that he was exposed to any stress that was any greater than that experienced by his peers. Cox appealed, and the N.Y. state appeals court reversed, sending the case back to the Workers’ Compensation Board and giving Cox a second chance to prove his claim.

At his workers’ comp hearing, Cox testified that, during a promotional event for a manufacturer of high-priced luxury goods, his supervisor told him to fabricate reserve orders by falsely indicating that individual customers intended to purchase the manufacturer’s handbags for the purpose of increasing the store inventory. As directed, Cox submitted two fabricated orders during the event, which required him to provide the customers’ personal information including credit card numbers.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.