Question

When computing damages in a wrongful discharge case, the cost of job-related expenses:

a. Should be added to the damage estimate.
b. Should be ignored.
c. Should be subtracted from the damage estimate.
d. Could be added or subtracted from the damage amount depending on the circumstances of the case.
e. None of the above.

Answer 1

Job-related expenses should be subtracted from the damage estimate (option c) in a wrongful discharge case as they are costs not incurred due to the loss of employment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When computing damages in a wrongful discharge case, the cost of job-related expenses should be subtracted from the damage estimate. This is because these are costs that the claimant would have incurred had they remained employed. Thus, they may not actually constitute a loss stemming from the wrongful discharge. In calculating the damages, one would generally include lost wages and benefits, and sometimes also include compensatory damages for emotional distress or punitive damages, if applicable. However, the costs associated with working, such as commuting, work clothes, and other job-related expenses, are no longer being incurred, and so they would reduce the overall amount of economic damages calculated.