Florida Steak ‘n Shake Robbery Victim’s Suit Against Chain Nixed

Florida workers suing employers over mental anguish stemming from traumatic job experiences can’t sue in open court without first going through the workers compensation process, a state appeals court ruled Friday in a case of first impression for the state.

A Steak ‘n Shake employee, who was held up at gunpoint and repeatedly threatened with her life but not physically harmed, had her suit against the fast food chain tossed by a unanimous Fifth District Court of Appeal.

Even though workers compensation doesn’t cover mental suffering from on-the-job trauma that isn’t the result of a reported physical injury, plaintiffs have ...