Chris Whitney v. First Call Ambulance Service

This is an appeal from the trial court's grant of summary judgment dismissing a plaintiff-employee's THRA and TPPA claims against his employer. As to the employee's THRA claim, the trial court found that the evidence of harassment and discriminatory conduct was not so severe or pervasive so as to establish a hostile work environment. As to the employee's TPPA claim, the trial court found that the employer had a valid, non-discriminatory reason for termination. Additionally, the trial court found that the employee failed to establish that one of the entities was his employer for purpose of liability under either the THRA or the TPPA. Finding that the employee presented sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of disputed material fact with regard to his THRA and TPPA claims, we vacate the trial court's order as to these claims and remand the case to the trial court.

This is an appeal from the trial court's grant of summary judgment dismissing a plaintiff-employee's THRA and TPPA claims against two separate corporate entities—both of which the employee claimed were his employer. As to the employee's THRA claim, the trial court found that the evidence of harassment and discriminatory conduct was not so severe or pervasive so as to establish a hostile work environment. As to the employee's TPPA claim, the trial court found that the employer had a valid, non-discriminatory reason for termination. Additionally, the trial court found that the employee failed to establish that one of the entities was his employer for purpose of liability under either the THRA or the TPPA. Finding that the employee presented sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of disputed material fact as to both his THRA and TPPA claims against both entities, we vacate the trial court's order and remand the case to the trial court.