Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Hostile work environment

My wife is a Physician Assistant within a corporately owned medical practice. The office manager, who is not her supervisor, has screamed and yelled at her in front of patients and staff on numerous occasions.When the issue was taken to my wifes supervisor she was told that's just the way this person is. ''She's Latin'' is the excuse given, on the several occasions my wife has attempted redress with upper mngmnt. The stress has caused her true verifiable and directly attributable phsyical illness. The V.P. has also threatened that if she tries to pursue the matter further she will be fired and that she will '' never work in this town again.'' Only few months left on contract, and she is seeking employment elsewhere. I would like to sue both into bankruptcy, but I doubt that is an option. Is it? Or should we just grit our teeth and when her contract's up tell 'em where to go? I really would hate to just let it slide. The physical illness is/ was real, and quite painful. I hate to see her endure another day of these two people. Thank You.


Asked on 2/07/03, 1:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Stern Shavitz Law Group

Re: Hostile work environment

There is no illegal conduct in what you described because the law does not regulate "poor" treatment of employees. Rather, the law only prohibits discrimination based on statutorily protected characteristics like gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, etc. As such, if you have an overly rude boss or co-worker, the law--unfortunately--does not provide any remedy. As such, if your wife cannot physically handle the stress, I would strongly suggest seeking other employment even before the end of the contract.

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Answered on 2/07/03, 9:03 am


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