Ingersoll-Rand Co. v. McClendon

498 U.S. 133 (1990)

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Ingersoll-Rand Co. v. McClendon

United States Supreme Court
498 U.S. 133 (1990)

Facts

McClendon (plaintiff) was fired by Ingersoll-Rand (defendant). McClendon sued Ingersoll-Rand for wrongful termination, alleging that he was fired so the company could avoid making contributions to his pension plan. The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) established a uniform civil-enforcement structure and preempted state laws relating to employee benefit plans. However, McClendon relied entirely on Texas state law to assert a claim for lost wages, mental anguish, and punitive damages. The Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of McClendon. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (O’Connor, J.)

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