GTE Southwest, Inc. v. Bruce

998 S.W.2d 605 (1999)

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GTE Southwest, Inc. v. Bruce

Texas Supreme Court
998 S.W.2d 605 (1999)

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Facts

Rhonda Bruce, Linda Davis, and Joyce Poelstra (plaintiffs) were employees at GTE Southwest (GTE) (defendant). Their supervisor was Morris Shields, a retired United States Army sergeant. Shields constantly harassed and intimidated Bruce, Davis, and Poelstra by charging at them, lunging at them, pounding his fists, screaming at them inches away from their faces, using abusive language, and using sexual innuendos. He threatened them verbally and physically. Shields would make Bruce come into his office daily and stand silently while he stared at her for about 30 minutes. When Bruce asked Shields to correct his behavior, he screamed in her face. Bruce, Davis, and Poelstra sought medical treatment for post-traumatic distress disorder and brought suit against GTE for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lower court found in favor of Bruce, Davis, and Poelstra. GTE appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Abbott, J.)

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