Quentin Lamar Hale, previously employed by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC ("HMMA"), sued HMMA claiming that he was discharged in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim. Hale had been discharged for repeated violation of HMMA's attendance, bereavement leave, and serious misconduct policies. Though the trial court entered a summary judgment favoring HMMA, Hale appealed.
As per the attendance policy, absences needed to be covered by approved medical leave or other leave, and bereavement leave required accurate documentation to verify the relationship to the deceased family member. Hale failed to provide satisfactory documentation for his absences and his bereavement leave, leading to his discharge. On appeal, the court affirmed the trial court's judgment, indicating that HMMA had legitimately discharged Hale due to flouting of the company's policies.
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