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Sexual Harassment - Verdicts, Settlements & Indemnity
Monthly Law Journal Article: Workplace Harassment by Law Enforcement and Correctional Supervisors, Part 1, Sexual Harassment, 2013 (9) AELE Mo. L. J. 201.
A corrections officer at a privately run correction facility claimed that a male coworker slapped her on the buttocks. She filed a formal complaint with the company that operates the facility. In the days that followed, he repeatedly rolled his eyes at her and once punched a metal machine in her presence to intimidate her. She submitted a second complaint, adding that she was afraid he would touch her again, that this was not the first time that he had touched her, and that he stated he could touch her if he wanted to. She conceded that he had never touched her or made any inappropriate comments to her after her complaint. The company's outside investigator submitted a report finding that he had sexually harassed the plaintiff and other coworkers, and fired him. A jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff of $4,000 in actual damages and $100,000 in punitive damages. A federal appeals court upheld the entry of judgment as a matter of law in favor of the company, ruling that the company’s prompt remedial action in response to the plaintiff’s complaints barred liability. Wilcox v. Corrections Corp. of America, #14-11258, 2018 U.S. App. Lexis 17242 (11th Cir.).
California
appellate panel affirms an award of $1,237,086 in compensatory damages and an
equal amount in punitive damages against an employer. "...there was
substantial evidence supporting the jury's finding that plaintiff's complaint
of sexual harassment of a colleague was a motivating reason for her
discharge." Green v. LAIBCO, #B212933, 192 Cal.App.4th 441, 2011 Cal. App.
Lexis 119, 111 FEP Cases (BNA) 783 (2nd Dist.).
Fifth Circuit affirms a jury award of $230,000
for backpay and compensatory damages, finding that the plaintiff was sexually
harassed by a captain. Owen v. Harris County, #09-20479, 2010 U.S. App. Lexis
17850, 110 FEP Cases (BNA) 10 (5th Cir.).
Former secretary to a suburban Chicago chief
deputy sheriff accepts $188,000 to settle her sexual harassment and wrongful
termination claims. Easi v. Randall, #1:08-cv-07024 (N.D. Ill. 2009).
Private prison operators agree to pay $1.3
million to settle a suit claiming that women employees at the prison were
subjected to sexual harassment that included male managers forcing them to
perform sex acts in order to keep their jobs. In the settlement, the defendants
did not admit liability. EEOC v. Corrections Corp. of Amer. and Dominion Corr.
Serv., #1:06-cv-01956, settlement; prior decisions at 2009 U.S. Dist. Lexis
19538 and 20125 (D. Colo. 2009). EEOC press release.
Jury awards a LAPD officer $1 million in economic
damages, and $1.3 million in non-economic loss, including emotional distress.
She alleged discrimination and abuse while assigned to the Valley Traffic
Division in 1996, and was retaliated against for reporting the harassment to
Internal Affairs. Borck v. City of Los Angeles, #2:99-cv-11575 (C.D. Calif.
2009). In 2008, the city settled a similar claim for $2.25 million. Fuller v.
City of Los Angeles, L.A. Co. Super. Ct. #BC346464 (Unpub. 2008).
Five-judge appellate
panel upholds an award to a woman corrections officer that complained of sexual
harassment and retaliation, but reduces her recovery from $850,000 to $200,000.
N.Y. State Dept. of Corr. Serv. v. N.Y. State Div. of Human Rights (Humig),
#504007, 2008 NY Slip Op 6246, 53 A.D.3d 823, 861 N.Y. Supp.2d 494, 2008 N.Y.
App. Div. Lexis 7594 (3rd Dept.).
Federal jury awards $658,000 in compensatory and
$100,000 in punitive damages to four Mississippi women firefighters who sued
over a sexually hostile environment and retaliation by their superiors and
coworkers. The misconduct allegedly included sexual advances, intimidation, and
offering money or gifts in exchange for sex. Alexander v. Jackson,
#3:04-cv-614, Pacer Doc. 168 & 169 (S.D. Miss. 2007); verdict reported at
45 (2211) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 728.
First Circuit upholds a jury award of $1,205,000
in compensatory damages and $1,027,501 in punitive damages against a police
union and others. A woman union member alleged sexual harassment during a union
event, and a union official made threatening and intimidating remarks about her
on television. Dixon v. IBPO L-382, #06-1210, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 22891, 101
FEP Cases (BNA) 1121 (1st Cir.).
New York State Div. of Human Rights awards
$850,000 in compensatory damages for the harassment of a lesbian corrections
officer. The agency found that she was subjected to a "daily, relentless
regimen of humiliating insults" placing her in an "extremely serious
and dangerous situation" by disclosing her sexual orientation to inmates.
Humig v. New York State Dept. of Corr. Servs., #7905228 (N.Y. Div. of Hum.
Rts.10/11/07), summarized at 45 (2227) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1213.
Eleventh Circuit vacates a sexual harassment
verdict of $400,000 and remands for an entry of judgment of $300,000. Bradshaw
v. School Bd. of Broward Co., #06-13182, 2007 U.S. App. Lexis 11354 (11th
Cir.).
Federal jury awards $1 million in compensatory
damages to a male NYC corrections officer that alleged he had been subjected to
a hostile work environment by a woman captain's unwelcome sexual proposals.
Singleton v. City of New York, #05-7769, 45 (2197) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 312 (S.D.N.Y.
2007).
Woman Illinois State Police sergeant, who alleged
that she was sexually harassed by her supervisor and then received negative
performance ratings and inferior work assignments after she complained, wins a
jury verdict of $146,000. Storey v. Ill. State Police, #05CV-4011, verdict
(S.D. Ill. 2006); prior rulings at 2006 U.S. Dist. Lexis 8127 and 57970. {N/R}
Former police officer wins $700,000 in
compensatory and $1 million in punitive damages for enduring repeated sexual
and derogatory remarks. Barth v. Vil.of Mokena, #03 Civ 6677, Pacer Doc. 330
(N. D. Ill.2006). Prior rulings at: 2006 U.S. Dist. Lexis 19702, 97 FEP Cases
(BNA) 1764 (3/31/2006); at 2004 U.S. Dist. Lexis 8316 (5/7/2004); and at 2004
U.S. Dist. Lexis 2789 (2/24/2004). [2006 FP Sep]
Appellate court confirms a jury award of $80,740 to a female employee for
sexual harassment by male coworker is affirmed; although his touching of her
buttocks and body occurred only few times over several months, she lost sleep,
was nervous and sought medical assistance. Speedway SuperAmerica v. DuPont,
#5D04-14, 2006 Fla. App. Lexis 8251, 98 FEP Cases (BNA) 459 (Fla. App. 2006).
{N/R}
First Circuit upholds a jury verdict for more
than $1 million in favor of a Puerto Rican police officer who claimed that a
sergeant sexually harassed her and management took no remedial action. The
panel found that the amount was neither excessive nor conscience-shocking,
because the plaintiff proved severe economic and emotional injury, including
the loss of her house and car, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Valentín-Almeyda v. Munic. of Aguadilla, #04-2413, 447 F.3d 85, 2006
U.S. App. Lexis 11584 (1st Cir. 2006). {N/R}
Treasury Dept. agrees to settle a class action of
32 sexual harassment claims at the Denver Mint for $8,990,000. Wylie v.
Treasury Dept., EEOC #07A4001244, 44 (2152) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 392 (EEOC 2006);
Agency #03-0008C; prior decis, Appeal #07A40012 rptd. at 2004 EEOPUB Lexis 7016
(EEOC 2004). {N/R}
After the case went all the way to the Supreme
Court, a federal jury has rejected the sexual harassment claims of a former
state police dispatcher who accused officers of discussing sex and making
obscene gestures. Suders v. Penn. State Police, Verdict, #1:CV:00-01655 (M.D.
Pa. 2005), on remand from #03-95, 124 S.Ct. 2342, 2004 U.S. Lexis 4176 (2004).
[2005 FP May]
Three women police officers who won $3.5 million
for sexual harassment settle their claims for $4 million. The settlement
includes $3 million from the city and $1 million from a law firm that was sued
by the plaintiffs in a second lawsuit for allegedly defamatory remarks made by
counsel after the jury verdict. Frieders v. City of Glendale, #BC263271, 42
(2086) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1167 (Cal. Super. 11/12/04). {N/R}
San Francisco suburb to pay almost $2 million in
damages and legal costs to settle a sexual harassment suit brought by four
women ex-officers, who claimed they suffered indignities, received different
treatment and were denied promotional opportunities because of their gender.
Wowak v. City of Sunnyvale, #5:03-cv-00394, case dismissed; settlement reported
at 174 Lab. Rltns. Rptr. (BNA) 466 (N.D. Cal. 5/6/04). [2004 FP Sep]
Federal jury in Chicago has awards $500,000 to a
former manager in the office of the Inspector General of Cook County. Roberts
v. Cook County, #01 C 9373, (N.D. Ill. 2004); prior interim ruling at 213 F.
Supp.2d 882 (2002). [2004 FP Apr]
EEOC suit in behalf of a woman truck driver
results in a verdict for $101,400 in backpay, $290,000 in front pay, $350,000
for emotional suffering and $2.5 million in punitive damages, for a total award
of $3,241,400. EEOC v. Fed Ex, #1:02-cv-1194 (M.D. Pa. verdict 2004). {N/R}
Federal appeals court finds that a judgment for
sexual harassment is not dischargeable in federal bankruptcy proceedings. Jones
v. Svreck, #02-044, 300 B.R. 133, 2003 Bankr. Lexis 1302, 42 Bankr. Ct. Dec. 4
(1st Cir. Bank. 2003). [2004 FP Feb]
New Jersey Supreme Court affirms a $750,000
compensatory damage award to a male officer who claimed harassment by a woman
coworker. It set aside a $3 million in punitive damages against the Dept. of
Corrections, and remanded the case because of faulty jury instructions. Lockley
v. State of New Jersey DoC, #A-108-2001, 177 N.J. 413, 828 A.2d 869, 2003 N.J.
Lexis 868 (N.J. 2003). {N/R}
Kentucky Supreme Court upholds a $120,000
compensatory damages verdict for a woman corrections officer who was passed
over for promotion 26 times after she filed a sexual harassment complaint;
punitive damages not available under state law. Kentucky Dept. of Corr. v.
McCullough, #2000-SC-0727-DG, 2003 Ky. Lexis 180, 92 FEP Cases (BNA) 953 (Ky.
2003). {N/R}
Public employer pays $435,000 to employees who
inadvertently saw porn pics on computers owned by the city. Management failed
to respond to their complaints. Adamson v. Minneapolis Public Library,
#03-CV-2521 (D. Minn. 2003). [2003 FP Nov]
Sheriff's investigator awarded $500,000 against
the county and $200,000 against a superior who allegedly put his face in the
plaintiff's crotch, and twice bit her on the buttocks. Kessel v. Cook County,
#1:00cv03980 (N.D.Ill. 2003). {N/R}
Three women police officers win $3.5 million for
sexual harassment. Frieders v. City of Glendale, #BC263271, 41 (2014) G.E.R.R.
(BNA) 638 (L.A. Co. Calif. Super. Ct. 2003). [2003 FP Aug]
Private employer agrees to pay $10 million to
settle harassment complaints of 91 women employed at a suburban Chicago soap
facility. EEOC v. The Dial Corp., #99 C 3356 (N.D. Ill. 2003). {N/R}
California county agrees to pay $250,000 to a
former ranger for gender bias and harassment. She alleged continuing
mistreatment after the county settled an earlier lawsuit that she had filed.
Christensen v. Monterey County, as rptd. in the Monterey Herald (3-23-2003).
{N/R}
Illinois counties are required by statute
to indemnify sheriffs for judgments and settlements against them for all official
acts, and a county was required to pay a $500,000 consent judgment for sexual
harassment. Carver v. Sheriff of La Salle County, #91108, 91 FEP Cases (BNA)
29, 2003 Ill. Lexis 13 (Ill. 2003). Also see 243 F.3d 379, 2001 U.S. App. Lexis
3934 (7th Cir. Ill. 2001). {N/R}
Michigan appeals court
affirms a $21 million verdict for a woman who endured seven years of
harassment. Gilbert v. Daimler-Chrysler, #227392, 2002 Mich. App. Lexis 1168
(Unpub. Mich.App. 2002). {N/R}
California appeals court affirms a sexual
harassment award against a city housing authority in the amounts of $500,000
for emotional distress damages, $173,866 in interest, $611,898 in attorneys'
fees, and $11,986 in costs and $30,000 in discovery sanctions. Walker v. San
Francisco Housing Auth., #A0954767, 100 Cal.App.4th 685, 122 Cal.Rptr.2d 758,
2002 Cal. App. Lexis 4442 (2002). {N/R}
A $30 million punitive damages jury verdict
against a private employer has been cut to $8.25 million by the judge. Gober v.
Ralphs Grocery, Super. Ct. #N72142, San Diego Co. Calif., rptd. in the S.F.
Recorder (7/17/2002). {N/R}
Federal judge sets aside a $3 million verdict for
sexual harassment of a woman police officer as "grossly excessive;"
damages reduced to $300,000. Spina v. Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook Co.,
#98-C-1393, 207 F.Supp.2d 764, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 9818 (N.D.Ill. 2002);
interim rulings at: 2001 U.S. Dist. Lexis 19146 (11-22-2001); 2001 U.S. Dist.
Lexis 11670, 86 FEP Cases (BNA) 1099 (8-6-2001); 1999 U.S. Dist. Lexis 18832 (11-29-1999).
[2002 FP Feb]
Appellate court affirms a jury award of $625,000
in compensatory and $500,000 in punitive damages. Although the conduct was not
especially severe, it continued for many years. Mancini v. Twp. of Teaneck,
#A-2186-00T5, 794 A.2d 185, 2002 N.J. Super. Lexis 165 (N.J. App. 2002). [2002
FP Jul]
Second Circuit allows juries to award punitive
damages without awarding compensatory damages in sexual harassment and
discrimination cases. Cush-Crawford v. Adchem Corp., 00-7617, 2001 U.S. App.
Lexis 24806 (2nd Cir.). [2002 FP Feb]
City worker awarded $275,000 for retaliation; she
complained of obscene language during a cable TV show shown in the employee
break room. Ericson v. City of Meriden, #3:99CV2143 (D. Conn.), Connecticut Law
Tribune (Oct. 8, 2001); prior ruling at 113 F.Supp.2d 276, 2000 U.S. Dist.
Lexis 14496. [2001 FP 157]
Federal appeals court reinstates a $275,000
verdict for a woman firefighter and rejects the city's argument that
firefighter behavior should be evaluated in the context of a blue-collar
environment. O'Rourke v. City of Providence, #99-2346 & 00-1008, 2001 U.S.
App. Lexis 165, 235 F.3d 71, 85 FEP Cases (BNA) 1135 (1st Cir.). [2001 FP
123-4]
Federal jury awarded a woman $2.75 million
because male coworkers played loud, sexually explicit music at work and
management took no action. The court reduced the award to $300,000 plus
$113,000 in legal fees. Strain v. Lear Corp., #00-C-05295 (Unrptd. W.D. Wis.,
4/4/2001). {N/R}
Illinois fire district pays $145,000 to settle
two claims of sexual harassment. The former paramedics claimed groping, lewd
jokes and pornographic matter left lying around. Jones and L'Heureux v. Cary
Fire Prot. Dist., (Unrptd. N.D. Ill. 2000); Chicago Sun-Times (12/13/2000 p.
14). {N/R}
FBI pays a settlement of $150,000 plus attorneys
fees to woman agent who complained of sexually-oriented teasing, harassment,
and ridicule that was not only condoned by and participated in by her
supervisors. Anderson v. Reno, 97-0747, settlement rptd. at 38 (1887) G.E.R.R.
(BNA) 1284 (N.D. Cal.); prior decis. at 190 F.3d 930, 1999 U.S. App. Lexis
21387, 80 FEP Cases (BNA) 1663 (9th Cir. 1999). {N/R}
An appellate court in Wisconsin upholds a
$389,434 verdict plus one year of future pay for a former paramedic who claimed
she was sexually harassed by her supervisor. Salveson v. Douglas Co., #99-0946,
2000 WI App 80, 234 Wis. 2d 413, 2000 Wisc.App. Lexis 267, 38 (1859) G.E.R.R.
518 (3/28/00). [2000 FP 92]
Federal appeals court affirms a jury finding of
no liability in suit by a woman police officer alleging sexual harassment by a
superior. LaClair v. City of St. Paul, 187 F.3d 824, 1999 U.S. App. Lexis
18788, 15 IER Cases (BNA) 850. {N/R}
Federal appeals court affirms liability against a
code enforcement officer who, for 15 years, sexually harassed building permit
applicants. Johnson v. Martin, 195 F.3d 1208, 1999 U.S. App. Lexis 28131 (10th
Cir.) {N/R}
Two court employees accept $1 million to settle
their sexual harassment lawsuit. The claimed they were routinely subjected to
obscene sexual comments by male co-workers and supervisors and that nothing was
done to correct the problem. Wayman v. San Bernardino Co, #273502, 37 (1842)
G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1618. (Cal.Super. 1999). {N/R}
$100,000 sexual harassment verdict awarded a
woman police officer is affirmed by an appeals court. Curry v. Dist. of Col.,
#98-7121, 338 U.S. App. D.C. 439, 195 F.3d 654, 1999 U.S. App. Lexis 29442, 81
FEP Cases (BNA) 307 (D.C. Cir. 1999). {N/R}
District of Columbia Government agrees to pay
$8.5 million in damages and legal costs to women corrections officers. Neal v.
D.C. Corr. Dept., #93-2420 (D.D.C. 1999). Settlement rptd. at 37 (1820)
G.E.R.R. (BNA) 850. Prior decis. at 1995 U.S. Dist. Lexis 11461 (D.D.C).
Fitzpatrick v. City of Atlanta, 2 F.3d 1112, 1120-21 (11th Cir. 1993). [1999 FP
138]
Male officer wins $3.75 million verdict; other
recent awards, reductions and settlements noted. Lockley v. New Jersey,
#L-03195-94, Burlington Co. N.J., 37 (1817) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 693 (5/28/1999).
[1999 FP 108-9]
Bay area police dept. settles eight hostile work
environment claims for $1.25 million. Bauman et al v. Concord; Jones v. Concord
(unrptd. 1999); summary in Contra Costa Times, 3/24/99. [1999 FP 94]
Jury in Visalia awards $92,500 to four women who
allegedly quit as police officers because of sexual harassment. Bennett et al
v. Visalia, Tulare Co. Super.Ct. #178360, 37 (1805) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 341
(verdict, 3/3/99). [1999 FP 94]
Appellate court reduces damages for short-term
supervisory harassment from $125,000 to $50,000, because the plaintiff's
emotional injury ended after she left her job. Barna v. City of Cleveland,
#96-3971, 96-4178, 97-4130, 1998 U.S. App. Lexis 31986 (Unpub., 6th Cir.).
[1999 FP 78]
New Jersey Supreme Court holds that workers'
comp. insurance covers sexual harassment lawsuits. Insurance policy exclusions
for those claims are unenforceable and violate public policy. Schmidt v. Smith,
155 N.J. 44, 713 A.2d 1014, 1998 N.J. Lexis 601. [1999 FP 60-1]
Houston officer wins $128,000 in damages and
$200,617 in legal expenses because her sergeant failed to halt ongoing
harassment by a coworker. Williamson v. Houston, 148 F.3d 462, 1998 U.S. App.
Lexis 16771 (5th Cir.). [1999 FP 12]
NY county police force held liable to a woman
officer who alleged a long history of sex discrimination and harassment; jury
awarded of $541,001, reduced to $225,001, must be further reduced. Annis v.
Westchester Co, 136 F.3d 239, 1998 U.S. App. Lexis 1449 (2nd Cir.). {N/R}
Sheriff's Dept. in Chicago pays $225,000 to
settle a sexual harassment and wrongful termination suit brought by an
administrative assistant against the Sheriff's Director of Operations. County
also spent $426,098 in legal defense fees. Conway v. Walsh, verdict rptd. at 37
(1816) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 663; prestlmt. opin. at 1999 U.S. Dist. Lexis 6979
(N.D.Ill. 1999). {N/R}
Woman police officer in England awarded UK
£150,000 (US $240,000) by a disabilities compensation authority. Male
officers began rumors that she obtained confessions by performing oral sex acts
on criminal suspects. The tribunal also awarded a full disability pension.
Mazurkiewicz and Thames Valley Police, Reading (U.K.) Indus. Trib., The Times
(London) 5-14-1998, p. 3. {N/R}
NC corrections employee receives $217,000, plus
in $97,678 in legal fees, to settle her harassment claim. Robinson v. N.C.
Dept. of Corrections, #5:98-CV-584-BR-3, 37 (1828) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1203
(E.D.N.C. 1999). {N/R}
Four women officers in Minnesota recover
$199,000. Kennedy v. St. Paul, Ramsey Co., #C6-93-8809, 36 G.E.R.R. (BNA) #1763
(Minn. Dist.Ct. 1998). [1998 FP 140-1]
Woman trooper in Louisiana is awarded $600,000.
Mistretta v. Louisiana, #95-754-B-M1, 36 G.E.R.R. (BNA) 726 (M.D.La. 1998).
[1998 FP 141]
Record $34 million to be paid to 350 women that
were subjected to harassment. Defendant also consented to outside monitoring of
complaints. EEOC v. Mitsubishi. Prior decis. at 990 F. Supp. 1059 (C.D.Ill.
1998) and 102 F.3d 869 (7th Cir. 1996). [1998 FP 124-5]
Appellate court upholds a $3.5 million punitive
award for sexual harassment, an amount 70 times greater than the compensatory
damages. Weeks v. Baker & McKenzie, #A068499, 1998 Cal.App. Lexis 396, 76
FEP Cases (BNA) 1219. [1998 FP 93]
Mass. State Police reported to have secretly paid
$290,000 to a woman trooper who claims she was raped while on duty by a male
trooper. Source: Boston Globe 4/23/1998 p. A01. [1998 FP 93]
Woman officer in Oregon recovers $225,000 for
harassment and retaliation for filing a complaint. Sheriff failed to give
adequate discipline to offending deputy. Mockler v. Multnomah Co.,140 F.3d 808,
76 FEP Cases (BNA) 890, 1998 U.S. App. Lexis 6440 (9th Cir.). [1998 FP 94]
Federal appeals court upholds the legal basis for
a claim but sets aside the award because old and prejudicial evidence was
considered by the jury. $225,001 award set aside. Annis v. Westchester County,
N.Y., 136 F.3d 239, 1998 U.S. App. Lexis 1449 (2nd Cir.). [1998 FP 77-8]
Houston jury awards $310,00 to a sheriff's deputy
for harassment and retaliation. McKenzie v. San Patricio County, #C-97-131, 36
G.E.R.R. (BNA) #1757 (S.D.Tex. 1998). [1998 FP 78]
Jury awards former Texas deputy sheriff $110,000
compensatory and $200,000 in punitive damages for sexual harassment and
retaliation. McKenzie v. San Patricio Co., #C- 97-131, 36 G.E.R.R. (BNA) #1757
(S.D.Tex. 1998). [1998 FP 107-8]
Federal court in NY upholds a $60,000 award to a
woman public employee who experienced emotional trauma from hearing about
sexual harassment of her fellow employees. Leibovitz v. NYC Transit Auth., 1998
U.S. Dist. Lexis 6472. [1998 FP 92]
A California city has paid $900,000 to settle a
sexual discrimination and harassment suit brought by a former Fire Dept.
contract physician. Braun v. San Francisco, Cal.Super. #969799, 36 G.E.R.R.
(BNA) #1757 (1998). [1998 FP 78]
Federal appeals court upholds damage claims of
outrageous conduct in suit brought by five women workers who were subjected to
verbal abuse by a male coworker. Verdicts ranged from $30,000 to $275,000.
Manning v. M.L.I., 127 F.3d 686, 1997 U.S. App. Lexis 27935; 75 FEP Cases (BNA)
129. [1998 FP 12-13]
Jury awards woman fire captain $347,000. $100,000
was punitive damages for a sexually hostile environment; $50,000 was for
retaliation she suffered after reporting the harassment. Another $150,000 in
punitives was for discriminatory treatment. Her attorney was seeking a fee
award of about $500,000. Kline v. City of Kansas City, #94-0723-CV-W-3, 35
(1743) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1567 (W.D.Mo. 1997). {N/R}
Woman officer recovers $625,000 for emotional
distress. She alleged that male officers first harassed her and then caused her
to be terminated. Hoban v. County of Riverside, Docket #219376, 108 (90)
L.A.D.J. (Verd. & Setlmts.) 14 (Cal.Super. 1997). [1997 FP 105]
$50 million verdict reduced to $350,000. Employer
had anti-harassment and "open door" employee policies. Kimzey v.
Wal-Mart Stores, 107 F.3d 568, 73 FEP Cases (BNA) 87, 1997 U.S.App. Lexis 2853
(8th Cir.). [1997 FP 61]
$2 million verdict capped at $300,000. Worker
suffered post traumatic stress disorder from the harassment and a supervisor's
threat against her. Holmes v. Wal-Mart Stores, #95-137-CIV-FTM-25D, 1997 FEP
Summary (BNA) 120 (M.D.Fla. 1996). {N/R}
Corrections technician awarded $480,000 against a
California sheriff's dept. for enduring 20 months of harassment. Barbour v. Co.
of Orange, Super.Ct. #727213, 109 (251) L.A.D.J. (Verd. & Setlmts.) 9
(1996). [1997 FP 27]
U.S. Army pays civilian security guard $60,000 to
settle her claims that male fellow officers verbally harassed her, and she was
reassigned to a boring post in a trailer when she complained about her
treatment. Port v. West, #AMD 95-1315, 34 (1693) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1688 (D.Md.
1966). {N/R}
Police dispatcher accepts $500,000 to drop her
suit alleging she was fondled, was repeatedly solicited for sex and was
required to view a pornographic video. Naholnik v. Town of Waterford,
#3:93-CV-00683 (RNC), 34 (1671) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 904 (D.Conn. 1996). [1996 FP
139-40]
Woman police sergeant wins $1,275,000 for verbal
abuse, harassment and retaliation. Hurley v. Atlantic City Police Dept., #93260
& 94-122, 34 (1659) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 498 (D.N.J. 1996). [1996 FP 108]; Note:
verdict later reduced to $875,000, of which $700,000 was punitive. See 933
F.Supp. 396 {N/R}
California county was not required to pay a $2.2
million judgment awarded three women deputy sheriffs who were harassed in the
workplace by a male deputy; county was not required to indemnify or defend the
deputy as his acts were outside the scope of his employment. Farmers Insur. v.
Co. of Santa Clara, 906 P.2d 440, 11 Cal.4th 992, 1995 Cal. Lexis 6796. [1996
FP 44-5]
County pays $200,000 to woman officer who claimed
she was fondled by the chief; she was transferred after complaining about his
conduct. Doe v. County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co. Super.Ct., 109 (9)
L.A.D.J. (V&S) 3 (1995). [1996 FP 45]
Former police secretary agrees to $135,000 to
settle her claims against the city, several members of the P.D. and the police
chief. The amount includes legal fees. She alleged unwanted physical contact,
lewd comments, and claims she was forced to view porno videos with male
officers. Niskanen v. St. Francis, #3-93-CV-828, 33 (1627) G.E.R.R. 1051
(D.Minn. 1995). {N/R}
Mass. town ordered to pay $253,572 for
mistreatment of a civilian dispatcher who was subjected to profanity and
demeaning work assignments (washing dishes). Baldelli v. Southborough Police
Dept., #88-WEM-0041, 33 (1631) G.E.R.R. (1178) (Mass.C.A.D. 1995). {N/R}
Ex L.A.P.D. officer accepts $165,000 to settle
her suit against the city. She alleged she was raped by a male officer at the
police academy. Campbell v. City of Los Angeles, #BC 065939, 108 (16) L.A.D.J.
(Verd. & Setlmts.) 3 (L.A. Co. Super. Ct. 1/24/95). [1995 FP 76]
FBI settles three sexual harassment cases for a
total of $645,000. Doucette v. Reno, #CIV 93-1198, 33 (1602) G.E.R.R. 222
(C.D.Ariz. 1995); Alduenda v. Reno (C.D.Cal. 1995); Power-Anderson v. U.S.,
#SA-CV-94-43 (C.D.Cal. 1995). [1995 FP 76-7]
Kansas pays $43,667 to woman corrections officer
who was subjected to severe verbal harassment. U.S. v. State of Kansas, D.O.J.
Media Rel. 95-017 (D.Kan. 1995). [1995 FP 77]
Woman security officer accepts $1.5 million
settlement for enduring sexual harassment by male officers. Doe v. Confidential
Employer, 107 (193) L.A.D.J. (Verd. & Setlmts.) 6, L.A. Co., Cal. Super.Ct.
Dept. 54 (1994). [1995 FP 28]
California city settles complaints of two women
workers for $225,000. Doe and Roe v. City (I.D. Confidential, L.A. Co.
Super.Ct. (7/9/94), summary in 107 (154) L.A.D.J. (Verd. & Setlmts.) 8
(8/12/94). [1995 FP 12]
Calif. Superior Court reduces a $6.9 mill.
verdict to $3.5 mill. Secretary proved a partner in a law firm sexually
harassed her. Even with the reduction, it is the largest to-date verdict for
workplace sexual harassment. Weeks v. Baker & McKenzie, 66 FEP Cases (BNA)
581 (Cal.Super. 1994). {N/R}
Canadian Mounted Police lose sexual harassment
trial; woman recovers (U.S.) $67,600 for mistreatment. Clark and H.M. the
Queen, Fed.Ct. of Canada #T-648-89, summary in 2 (20) Emp. Discr. Rep. (BNA) 616
(1994). [1994 FP 156-7]
Federal court upholds jury award of $35,700
against a male relief sergeant. Evidence showed he made a woman officer's
working conditions intolerable for two days per week, and he treated her
differently than other subordinates because she was female. Stafford v. St. of
Missouri, 835 F.Supp. 1136 (W.D.Mo. 1994) {N/R}
Idaho state employee awarded $103,000 for sexual
harassment. Patterson v. State of Idaho, Idaho 4th Dist.Ct. #92-773, 32 (1550)
G.E.R.R. (BNA) 155 (1994). [1994 FP 157]
California police dept. settles harassment and
retaliation claim for $45,000. Woman officer complained that a superior
"leered" at her breasts and discussed sex with her. Doe v. City of
Chula Vista, San Diego Co., Cal., summary in 107 (57) L.A.D.J. (Verd. &
Setlmts.) 3 (1994). [1994 FP 107]
California police dept. wins jury trial on sexual
harassment complaint. Plaintiff demanded $80,000 to settle the suit and the
city offered $15,000 which was rejected. Rehberg v. San Bernardino Unif. School
Dist. Police Dept., San Bernardino Co., Cal. Super. Ct. #265035, 107 (42)
L.A.D.J. (V&S) 3 (1994). [1994 FP 77]
Los Angeles pays $4.5 million to the family of a
teenager molested by a uniformed officer. Doe v. Tanabe, summary in 28 (19)
Bus. Insur. 4, L.A. Co., Cal. Super. Ct. 1994). [1994 FP 141]
Two of ten women Newport Beach, Cal., police
officers who alleged sexual harassment settle their lawsuits for $113,000 and
$62,500. The complaints purportedly induced the chief and a captain to prematurely
retire, summary in L.A.Times 2/1/95. {N/R}
Huntington Park (Calif.) woman police officer
receives $187,500 to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit; three employees were
removed, summary in L.A. Times 1/22/94. {N/R}
Woman, who repeatedly was covertly observed by
male coworkers while showering, is awarded $55,000 in compensatory and punitive
damages plus legal fees. Manning v. Wire Rope Corp., Jackson Co. Mo. Cir.Ct.,
63 FEP Cases (BNA) 1156 (1993). [1994 FP 106]
Texas constable wins $3 million in his
counterclaim against a woman who falsely accused him of sexual harassment.
Plaintiff's lawyer faces a $70,000 sanction for bringing a suit without
verification of the evidence. Willis v. Freeman, [Unrptd., summary at 16 (14)
Natl. L.J. 55 (S.D.Tex. 1993). [1994 FP 42-3]
Jury awards $3.1 million to two women police
officers who were sexually harassed by male coworkers. Clerkin v. City of Long
Beach; Allison v. City of Long Beach, U.S. Dist. Ct. (C.D. Cal. 1991), summary
in L.A. Times 10/14/93. [1991 FP 170]
Woman police lieutenant who recovered $290,000
for sexual harassment in 1985, receives $73,400 in a second suit claiming
further discrimination and retaliation. Arnold v. City of Seminole, 614 F.Supp.
853 (E.D. Okla. 1985) as Rptd. in The Wall Street Journal, p. B-3 (10/18/91).
Iowa Supreme Court upholds $10,000 award to a
woman police officer who received unwanted, sexually-oriented comments and who
claimed retaliatory action after making a complaint. Lynch v. City of Des Moines,
454 N.W.2d 827 (Iowa 1990).
Federal appeals court sustains damage awards
against a police captain and a sergeant for tolerating sexually offensive work
conditions. Verdicts against city totaled $230,000 and $165,000 against the
captain. Andrews v. City of Philadelphia, 895 F.2d 1469 (3rd Cir. 1990).
Female police dispatcher wins $150,000 for
mistreatment by a sergeant; he had pulled down her clothing so another officer
could photograph her breast. [Sydney] Brauer v. [Robert] White, Unrptd., 136
(87) Chicago Daily Law Bull. 1 (5/2/90).
Federal jury awards Santa Clara sheriff's deputy
$700,000 for emotional distress in a sexual harassment lawsuit. Murphy v.
County of Santa Clara, #C-89-2328-CAL, U.S. Dist. Ct. (N.D. Cal. 10/3/91).
[1992 FP 12]
San Diego approves $90,000 settlement to woman
police employee who's shirt was doused with water by an officer. Molina v. City
of San Diego, Unrptd., City Council Mtg. 11/25/91. [1992 FP 27]
Former Minneapolis police officer recovers $165,000
for emotional distress and retaliation after filing a sexual harassment
complaint. Eggimann v. City of Mnpls., Unrptd., 4th Jud. Dist. #MC90-2204, 30
(1477) G.E.R.R. (BNA) 1126 (1992). [1992 FP 157-8]
$25,000 compensatory and $5,000 punitive damages
awarded female clerical worker after male supervisor grabbed her by the crotch.
Mobley v. Black, Unrptd., Montgomery Co. MD, Cir. Ct. #CV-88-178-PR (Jan.
1989).
Female police officer recovers $900,000 for
emotional distress and sexual solicitation by superior officers. Preston v.
Douglas, Unrptd., Wayne Co. Mich. Cir. Ct. #84-414100-NI, 19 Media & Govt.
Qtrly. (JVRS) 2 (1987).
Federal court awards $33,055 in legal fees,
$25,000 for emotional distress and $4,150 in medical expenses to harassed fire
dispatcher. Bohen v. City of East Chicago, 666 F.Supp. 154 (N.D. Ind. 1987).
Female dispatcher recovers four million against
police officer who assaulted her. City not liable, but woman appeals. [Name
withheld] v. [John] Casey Jr., U.S. Dist. Ct. (S.D. Tex. 1/16/88).
Female former sheriff's deputy receives $109,600
judgment plus $100,000 in legal fees for sexual touching. Stewart v. Co. of
Sonoma, 634 F.Supp. 773 (N.D. Cal. 1986).
Damages awarded for lewd remarks and other sexual
harassment. Brown v. City of Guthrie, 22 FEP Cases (BNA) 1627 (W.D. Okla.
1980).
Female fire dept. paramedic gets $75,000
settlement. Male firefighters "forced" her to shave her pubic hair in
hazing ritual. Bryne v. City, L.A. Co. Sup'r Ct. of Judge H. Ackerman
(2/22/84).
State agency awards $25,000 punitive damages and
$27,337 compensatory damages to female who was sexually abused by her superior;
damages assessed against employer. Wilson v. Romero, Cal. Fair Emplmnt. Cmsn.,
Feb. 5, 1982.