Opinion ID: 2007768
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: suit against wal-mart

Text: Although Ms. Martin-Erb filed her petition for review and mandamus against only the MCHR and its chairperson, she asked the circuit court to hold a hearing on the merits of her claim against Wal-Mart and to grant her reinstatement and back pay. As noted, Wal-Mart intervened and the circuit court later held that her claims against it were time-barred under section 213.111. The trial court was correct in dismissing Ms. Martin-Erb's request for relief directly against Wal-Mart. Section 213.111 is clear that any civil suit against the alleged discriminating party must be filed within two years of the occurrence or discovery of the discrimination. Sec. 213.111.1. Ms. Martin-Erb alleged the discriminatory conduct occurred on January 11, 1997. After filing a complaint with the MCHR, she chose to continue pursuing remedies through the administrative process rather than seeking a right to sue letter. Once two years had passedthat is, after January 11, 1999Ms. Martin-Erb could no longer sue Wal-Mart for the discrimination directly, but was limited to seeking action by the MCHR. To the extent that Ms. Martin-Erb asked the trial court to grant her relief directly against Wal-Mart, it properly denied her relief. [4]