Litigation value: $15,000
In our last review of The Office webisodes, we tune into the first websiode, “The Accountants.” In the episode, Oscar, Angela, and Kevin interview everyone in the office to track down $3,000 missing from the books. At times, the interviews become a bit inappropriate, like when the accountants get on Michael’s computer without his knowledge. While that has some litigation potential, what caught my attention in terms of liability for the company was when the accountants more or less accused Meredith of stealing the money.
As our Employment Law Post colleague John Phillips discussed way back in 2008, accusing an employee of theft is serious stuff. Defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and some other claims may be appropriate under the right circumstances.
Fortunately, the accountants’ actions probably don’t go far enough to establish liability on behalf of the company, but there might just be enough for Meredith to file a law suit and make the company pay a nuisance settlement to avoid the costs of litigation. Sometimes companies choose to settle a case rather than fight it if they can do so for less money than they would otherwise pay their lawyers. Although this sends a bad message to other employees who might want to sue, sometimes it’s just good business.
Now, if I was defending a case against Meredith Palmer, I would feel obligated to take that through to trial. Wouldn’t you love to see how a jury would view her? If she alleged injury to her reputation, I’d try to admit into evidence footage of her taking her shirt off in Michael’s office into evidence, or footage of her getting drunk at work, or her on fire, or her getting attacked by a bat, or her . . . you get the idea. Half these things aren’t relevant, of course, but who doesn’t appreciate interoffice bat attacks?
New episodes return this Thursday. Check back then to see how much Dunder Mifflin will be on the hook for then.
I don’t know if the defense should admit ANY of that into evidence. I think those are all additional lawsuits-in-waiting.
If any character on the show could lay claim to a major portion of D-M’s assets, it would be Meredith. While she may be one of the less worthy employees, no one else has been attacked by a bat, “allowed” to set themselves on fire, kidnapped by a boss who tried to have her committed, run over by the boss’ car… etc., etc.