In the case of Rusu v. Carter-Jones Lumber Co., 2023-Ohio-2927, an appellate court held that the former employee was not eligible for a bonus for services provided when the plain language of the employment contract stipulated that the employee needed to be employed by the company to receive the bonus and the employee was terminated before the bonus was paid out.
In this case, the former employee argued that the employee should be paid the bonus because the bonus was for the work the employee already completed before termination. In response, the company argued that the plain language of the employment contract stated that the bonus would only be paid if the employee was still employed by the company when the bonus was paid. The appellate court agreed with the company.
In support of its decision in favor of the company, the appellate court explained that, in the absence of fraud or bad faith, the plain language of the contract would be applied.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.