In the case of Barrett v. Director of Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, 2022-Ohio-2152, the Court held that an employee was ineligible for unemployment benefits after quitting his job without just cause.
Here, an employee argued that he was wrongfully denied unemployment benefits after accepting a position with knowledge that the position was not remote, becoming ill, and alleging that he was instructed by his pulmonologist not to return to work and as a result filing for unemployment benefits. The Court disagreed with the employee.
In support of its conclusion, the Court determined that the employee voluntarily quit his job without just cause. The Court found that the reasons for the employee’s resignation were due to his own faults and not the failure of the employer to accommodate the employee. The Court explained that the record showed evidence of the employee’s failure to provide documentation that his medical diagnosis required an accommodation; the employee did not speak to HR personnel regarding his medical condition, nor did he make reasonable efforts to do so; and the employee did not try to contact TPUSA about returning to work. Thus, the Court found that the employee voluntarily resigned without just cause.
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.