J.L. Wilson Missouri Cases

J.L. Wilson sued the City of Kansas City for disability discrimination under the Missouri Human Rights Act after his employment was terminated due to a permanent work restriction. The circuit court entered judgment for Wilson, including an award of litigation expenses. On appeal, the Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the judgment on the discrimination claim, finding the City's objection to certain evidence was not preserved. However, the Court reversed the award of litigation expenses, clarifying that while such expenses are not "court costs" under the MHRA, they may be recoverable as "reasonable attorney fees" if they are reasonable out-of-pocket expenses normally charged to a fee-paying client. The case was remanded for a determination of these fees and appellate costs.