RECENT VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS IN CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT CASES
Employment Law – Sexual Harassment:
Plaintiff, a 36-year old female, claimed she was sexually harassed by her supervisor, a long term employee, for a period of one year. The alleged sexual harassment included the defendant supervisor making verbal sexual comments, sexual explicit suggestions and sexual advances. Plaintiff complained to her supervisor and sued for sexual harassment and hostile work environment.
Result: Jury verdict in favor of Plaintiff for $432,500.00.
Employment Law – Unpaid Overtime:
Plaintiffs, restaurant workers, sued their former employer, restaurant owners, for unpaid overtime and minimum wage violations. Plaintiffs worked 12 to 14 hours a day, but were paid on an daily rate without being paid overtime premiums for hours worked in excess of 8 in a day.
Result: $168,015 bench decision in favor of plaintiff.
Employment Law – Retaliation:
Plaintiff, manager for a nationwide company that rents electronics, complained of inappropriate behavior by his supervisor regarding the treatment of women, including being induced to attend strip bars and being subjected to inappropriate sexual comments about female employees. Plaintiff complained to upper management, and shortly thereafter was denied a promotion and ultimately terminated.
Result: $1,619,000 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Employment Law – Sexual Harrassment:
Plaintiff, female, sued her employer for gender discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Plaintiff had complained, some years earlier, regarding sexual harassment she had experienced at work. After her complaints, she was denied a promotion and that position was given to a male. Additionally, Plaintiff claimed that she was the victim of retaliation for her sexual harassment complaint, including harassing remarks.
Result: $175,000 settlement in favor of plaintiff.
Employment Law – Medical Condition Discrimination:
Plaintiff, age 54, sued her former employer after she was terminated for absences caused by her medical conditions. Plaintiff sued for wrongful termination and disability discrimination in violation of state and federal laws.
Result: $19,014,000 verdict in favor of plaintiff.