Janice Bartkowiak v. Quantum Chemical Corporation
Janice Bartkowiak appealed a summary judgment granted in favor of Quantum Chemical Corporation, stemming from claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, and discrimination during her employment. The Court of Appeals for the Seventh District of Texas at Amarillo reviewed the trial court's decision, focusing on the applicability of res judicata to Bartkowiak's retaliatory discharge claim, the proper dismissal of her sexual harassment claim due to her failure to report it, and the dismissal of her children's claims for loss of parental consortium. The appellate court found that res judicata barred the retaliatory discharge claim and upheld the dismissal of the sexual harassment claim, noting Quantum's established affirmative defense. Consequently, the claims for loss of parental consortium were also dismissed, as Quantum bore no underlying liability. The judgment of the trial court was affirmed.