Missouri § 287.780 - Discrimination because of exercising compensation rights prohibited — civil action for damages — motivating factor defined.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.780 — Discrimination because of exercising compensation rights prohibited — civil action for damages — motivating factor defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 287.780. Discrimination because of exercising compensation rights prohibited — civil action for damages — motivating factor defined.
No employer or agent shall discharge or discriminate against any employee for exercising any of his or her rights under this chapter when the exercising of such rights is the motivating factor in the discharge or discrimination. Any employee who has been discharged or discriminated against in such manner shall have a civil action for damages against his or her employer. For purposes of this section, "motivating factor" shall mean that the employee's exercise of his or her rights under this chapter actually played a role in the discharge or discrimination and had a determinative influence on the discharge or discrimination.
--------
(RSMo 1939 § 3725, A.L. 1973 H.B. 79, A.L. 2017 S.B. 66)
Prior revision: 1929 § 3335
(1993) The rights and remedies provided by this section are independent of, in addition to, any rights provided by a collective bargaining agreement. Claim for retaliatory discharge under statute is not preempted by federal labor law. Cook v. Hussmann Corp., 852 S.W.2d 342 (Mo. en banc).
(1998) Law does not abolish the "at-will" doctrine but provides a limited exception. Crabtree v. Bugby, 967 S.W.2d 66 (Mo.banc).
(2006) Section applies to employees alleging that an employer discharged them for previously filing workers' compensation claim against a former employer. Hayes v. Show Me Believers, Inc., 192 S.W.3d 706 (Mo.banc).
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2017 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 287.780
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.780 cover?
Section 287.780 ("Discrimination because of exercising compensation rights prohibited — civil action for damages — motivating factor defined.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 287.780?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.780" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 287.780 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.