Employee Tort Claims: Litigation Trends, Defense Strategies, Best Practices for Mitigating Employer Risk

Description

Often employers create compliance processes and procedures to mitigate the risk of employee claims made under federal and state employment laws. However, they may not be as aware of the litany of tort claims that may also be brought by current or former employees. Therefore, it is up to employment counsel to understand and advise on what mechanisms their clients should put into place to minimize the risk of such claims and to be in the best position to make a defense.

Employment torts typically involve intentional torts such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligence such as negligent supervision, training, and retention; defamation; and invasion of privacy. Other common tort claims include what may be thought of as typical "business" torts but may be seen in the employment context such as intentional interference with contract, where the employee claims the employer interferes with a contract between the worker and third party; or intentional interference with business expectations where the employee believes the employer has interfered with their ability to get a new job.

Employment counsel should understand the most common types of tort claims that may be made against their clients and best practices for mitigating risk and developing defense strategies.

Listen as our expert panel discusses common employment tort claims, current litigation trends related to these claims, and defense strategies. The panel will also offer best practices for helping clients develop processes and procedures to mitigate the risk of and defend against these claims.