Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Supreme Court will decide whether suicide is considered an emotional or physical injury as it relates to workplace liability. Union Pacific Railroad worker Phil Morgan died by suicide after his supervisor allegedly intimidated him, and his wife sued, saying the company created an unsafe working environment. Her attorney Paul Slocomb, says current laws aren’t up to date with medical research about suicide and the case the court is using as guidance doesn’t account for workplace negligence that pressures someone into taking their own life.
But the Union Pacific Attorney Jon Amarilio says the justices must consider precedent.
Amarilio says while tragic, Union Pacific would not be liable for an emotional injury. The Supreme Court will release its decision at a later date.
(KIWA Staff photo)
