Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania
Poked with the barrel of a rifle by boss
At work my boss poked me with the barrel of a complete, fully assembled rifle. Apparently this was done as a joke.
The action has disturbed me and it has made me quite upset. I have since filed a complaint with his superior.
Is there anything civil that can be done for his action? Thanks for any advice.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Poked with the barrel of a rifle by boss
Yes. Sticking a gun in another's ribs is an intentional tort. The obvious case is for Battery. Also Assault if he put you in fear of serious bodily injury.
Mostly, the case was about humiliation. Perhaps you were constructively discharged. If so, you can seek to get some front pay as damages. If the action was motivated by race or religion or union organizing them there may be additional protection.
If you need emotional counseling, then by all means seek it. The unusual work circumstance may yield a rare Workers' Comp "psychic injury" case whereby the act cancelled out your ability to work there (or for him) anymore.
Seek out an employment lawyer to discuss your specific questions with confidence and confidentiality.
Good Luck.
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