July 2009
In the Manatt's, Inc. case, the Claimant's doctor issued a report stating that he could not work until he was re-evaluated eight days later. The employer terminated the Claimant before the end of the evaluation period because he had not called or come into work. However, the Iowa District Court, sitting as the Appellate Court in this case, ruled that because the claimant left for a compelling health reason and informed the employer of the reason and attempted to return to work after being cleared by his doctor, he was not disqualified for receiving benefits. Iowa employers should take note of this ruling when employees inform them that they will be off work pursuant to a doctor's excuse.
If you would like to discuss the subject matter of this article, or any other labor or employment-related issue, please feel free to contact WS Shareholder and Senior Attorney Joseph H. Laverty at (563) 333-9102 or jolaverty@wesselssherman.com.
