A woman who is suing activewear retail company Lorna Jane began to suffer a mental health condition after being bullied in the workplace for her weight, a Brisbane court has heard.

Amy Louise Robinson is claiming $548,000 in damages after her area manager, Megan McCarthy, allegedly called her demeaning names, picked on her because of her weight and bullied her via social media.

Some of the claims for loss and damage Pain, suffering, and loss of amenities $14,100

Pain, suffering, and loss of amenities $14,100 Past economic loss $107,700

Past economic loss $107,700 Future economic loss $250,000

Future economic loss $250,000 Loss of superannuation $32,890

Loss of superannuation $32,890 Future medical and related expenses $40,000

The District Court trial also heard the 40-year-old was allegedly injured at work because she was forced to lift heavy boxes.

Ms Robinson's lawyers said she suffered a major depressive episode, anxiety and was hospitalised due to a haemorrhoid injury as a result of a lack of action by the employer and understaffing.

"What happened to Amy is quite simply unacceptable," her lawyer Kimberly Allen said outside court.

"Amy is here today for her day in court and she's prepared to stand up and be a voice for employees' wellbeing and safety all across Australia."

Employee allegedly labelled 'oxygen thief'

During her stint at the DFO Lorna Jane store, Ms Robinson was called an "oxygen thief" by her manager, who also labelled her a "generator", the court was told.

The court heard Ms McCarthy used "generator" as a pejorative term against those she perceived as generating problems for her to deal with.

Ms Robinson worked for Lorna Jane for about six months in 2012. ( Supplied: Shine Lawyers )

The court also heard Ms McCarthy had told an Indigenous employee and third-in-charge of the store not to play "black music".

Only a little more than a month after starting, Ms Robinson arranged a meeting with Queensland manager Claire Perrin, during which she cried as she detailed the allegedly abusive treatment.

"Perrin apologised for the behaviour of McCarthy and assured [Robinson] that she would not encounter the same problems in the future," a statement of claim states.

Ms Robinson's lawyers said she was bullied by another employee over her weight. ( Supplied: Shine Lawyers )

Lorna Jane, however, failed to take any appropriate or reasonable steps to remedy the abuse, Ms Robinson's lawyers claim.

Ms Robinson, who is a single mother, has not been able to work since leaving Lorna Jane in December 2012, the court heard.

The company rejects the allegations.

The trial is expected to run for four days with a number of witnesses to give evidence.

ABC/AAP