Blinn v. Beatrice Hospital

Mr. Blinn was an at-will employee; he was 67 years old. His employer was Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center, Inc. ("Beatrice").

In June 2002, Blinn received a job offer from another hospital in Kansas. However, after obtaining assurances from Beatrice that his job with Beatrice was secure, Blinn decide the job offer from the Kansas hospital.

Nontheless, in early 2003, Beatrice asked Blinn to resign from his position. Blinn refused to resign; so, he was terminated.

Blinn sued Beatrice in state district court for wrongful discharge.

Can an at-will employee maintain an action for promissory estoppel?

Blinn: Beatrice's oral representation induced him to forgo another employment offer.