NASHVILLE – In a decision that some legal observers found surprising, the state Supreme Court has reversed precedent and made it easier for workers to sue their employers when they believe they were fired illegally.
The Tennessean reports the court ruled 3-2 this week that employers must prove that workers’ claims of discrimination or retaliation are false or else face a trial.
Decades of precedent had put the burden of proof on workers, who had to prove they were not fired for legitimate reasons before they could take a case to trial.
Reaction to the decision was mixed.
Some worker advocates said the ruling will give employees a better opportunity to have legitimate complaints heard.
Some business groups predicted the decision would invite frivolous lawsuits and increase the cost of doing business in Tennessee.