Kalmanowitz v. Amerada Hess Corp.

Kalmanowitz v. Amerada Hess Corp. - Plain English Summary

What Happened

An employee named Kalmanowitz filed a lawsuit against Amerada Hess Corporation claiming the company failed to properly hire, supervise, and retain an employee who caused harm. The lawsuit also included claims of broken promises, fraud, and unfair financial dealings.

What the Court Decided

A Florida appeals court reached a mixed decision. The court rejected most of the employee's claims, including the allegation about negligent hiring. However, the court allowed one claim to move forward: negligent supervision and retention. The court determined this claim was properly included in the original lawsuit filed on time, so it could proceed to trial.

Why This Matters for Workers

This case shows that employers can face liability if they knowingly keep dangerous or problematic employees in positions where they can harm others. While companies can sometimes dismiss negligent hiring claims, courts may still hold them accountable for failing to properly oversee or remove problematic employees after hiring them. Workers may have recourse if their employer knew about safety concerns but failed to act.