Krmpotic v. Thunder Bay Electronics Limited
Drago Krmpotic
Law Firm / Organization
Switzer Litigation
Lawyer(s)

Michael R. Switzer

Thunder Bay Electronics Limited
Law Firm / Organization
Buset LLP
Lawyer(s)

Derek Zulianello

Hill Street Financial Services Inc.
Law Firm / Organization
Buset LLP
Lawyer(s)

Derek Zulianello

Background

  • Employment: Krmpotic worked for TBEL and Hill Street for nearly 30 years, ending his employment as a Building Maintenance Supervisor.
  • Termination: Terminated without notice on June 13, 2016, after returning from back surgery.
  • Claims: Sued for wrongful dismissal, seeking damages for mental distress and aggravated/moral damages, capped at $100,000.

Trial Court Findings

  • Notice Period: Awarded 24 months minus 16 months’ salary already paid.
  • Mental Distress: Denied due to insufficient medical evidence.
  • Aggravated Damages: $50,000 awarded for bad faith conduct.
  • Liability: TBEL and Hill Street held jointly and severally liable.

Appeal Issues

  1. Mitigation: Alleged error in finding Krmpotic unable to mitigate due to physical incapacity.
  2. Aggravated Damages: Alleged error in awarding damages without a diagnosable psychological condition.
  3. Joint and Several Liability: Alleged error in holding both appellants liable.

Court of Appeal Decision

  • Mitigation: Upheld; Krmpotic was unable to perform physical work due to his condition.
  • Aggravated Damages: Upheld; bad faith conduct caused significant distress beyond normal dismissal hurt.
  • Liability: Confirmed joint and several liability; both entities employed Krmpotic throughout his tenure.

Disposition

  • Appeal: Dismissed with $12,000 costs awarded to the respondent.

Total Monetary Award/Costs/Damages

  1. Damages for Remaining Notice Period: $48,576 for the remaining 8 months of notice.
  2. Aggravated Damages: $50,000 for the manner of dismissal.
  3. Costs: $12,000 awarded to the respondent for the appeal.

Total Monetary Award

  • Total: $110,576 (including damages and costs).
Court of Appeal for Ontario
C70976
Employment law
$ 110,576
Plaintiff