Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Harassment Case’
Florida Travel Agency to Pay $20 Million in Sexual Harassment Case
May 2nd, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Tampa, FL- A Florida jury has awarded $20 million to eight former employees of a Largo travel agency who were subjected to repeated sexual harassment at the hands of their managers.
Last year, seven women and one man filed lawsuits against Four Amigos Travel Inc. and Top Dog Travel Inc., two travel agencies that sell Florida vacation packages over the phone, alleging that the general manager of the Largo facility and eight managers subjected the women to daily sexual harassment
Four Amigos Travel and Top Dog have sales offices in Largo, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale.
In 2008, two women went to the EEOC and complained of a number of degrading and humiliating incidents. According to the initial complaints, during sales meetings, the sales manager would discuss “ways to please a woman.”
Among their many complaints, one woman claimed a sales manager forced his knee between her legs and made a vulgar comment and another sales manager pressed his body against a female employee saying, “That’s what I needed.” the Tampa Bay Times reported.
The women alleged that male managers would proposition female employees for sex in the restrooms and touched them inappropriately. The Tampa Bay Times noted that some of the harassment victims were older women up to age 61.
After an investigation, the EEOC determine the two women’s claims had merit and filed their lawsuit in 2011. At least five other female employees came forward with similar allegations and one male manager who was fired for reporting the harassment to the company joined in the lawsuit.
On Wednesday, after a two day trial a jury awarded $20 million to the eight complainants. The EEOC represented five of the plaintiffs, who will each receive $200,000 for damages and back pay; settlements for punitive damages in federal lawsuits are capped.
The other three plaintiffs including the manager, who was fired, had their own sexual harassment attorney and will receive a larger portion of the settlement since there is not settlement cap on private civil lawsuits.
“This was a long journey for these women who were forced to work under unspeakable conditions at this workplace,” Gregory Lee McClinton, the EEOC’s lead attorney in the case, said according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The settlement in this case was large, but the attorney representing three of the plaintiffs, Patrice Pucci told the Tampa Bay Times that the victims may have trouble collecting the settlement since the defendants didn’t even show up for the two day trial.
It is possible for the travel agency to appeal the judgment, especially if they think the judgment is too large.
Also last month a Washington D.C. judge overturned a multi- million dollar settlement awarded to female lifeguard who was harassed by one of her male supervisors. The jury was so disgusted by her treatment that they awarded her $3.5 million, but the presiding judge reverse the settlement stating it was “so great as to shock the conscience,” and that it was “inordinately large.” The judge offered the plaintiff a reduced settlement or another trial over the judgment amount.
Honey Baked Ham Sexual Harassment Case Test the Waters of Social Media, Privacy or Payout
November 20th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Denver, CO- The sexual harassment lawsuit against Georgia-based HoneyBaked Ham Co. is testing the waters of social media privacy as a federal judge has ordered complainants in the case to give defense attorneys access to their accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Last fall, on the behalf of over two dozen women, the EEOC filed a lawsuit against HoneyBaked Ham Co. The women alleged that store manager James Jackman repeatedly groped them, solicited them for sexual favors and used inappropriate language towards them. The women contacted the EEOC after the company took no action to stop Jackman’s illegal behavior and are suing for emotional distress.
In the interest of evidence discovery, the attorneys representing HoneyBaked asked a judge to grant them access to the women’s social media accounts, email and text messages to determine the plaintiff’s emotional distress, bias and credibility.
And a federal judge agreed to the defense attorney’s demands by requiring the women to provide access to these accounts. The judge will review all the information contained in “the documents” to determine if they have any bearing on their case.
But this means that in order to get compensation for enduring a hostile working environment they must expose private communications, so the women are now put in a position to choose between their privacy or a payout.
Judges in divorce cases have issued similar orders and raises issue of privacy in the internet age. It’s likely that as this practice becomes more common, we will see social media privacy become a big issue.
Sexual harassment attorneys are tasked with proving their clients are suffering from emotional duress as a result of unwanted attention. An experienced attorney can face any challenges that arise and work toward getting their clients the settlement they deserve.
Mississippi Supreme Court Throws out Million Dollar Sexual Harassment Case against USM
November 6th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Jackson, MS- The Mississippi Supreme Court has threw out a $1.4 million sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the University of Southern Mississippi by three former soccer coaches.
The three men, John Vincent, John Mollaghan, and Ged O’Connor, alleged that they were subjected to repeated sexual harassment, gender discrimination, retaliation, violation of due process and violation of their equal rights.
The initial lawsuit was filed in 2000 with a court siding with the complainants, awarding them $1.2million in 2008. But after the appeals process, a Circuit Court threw out most of the charges with the exception of Mollaghan’s sexual harassment claims and Vincent and O’Connor’s violation of due process claims.
Now the Mississippi Supreme Court has reversed the initial judgment, siding with the University of Southern Mississippi.
The lawsuit was filed against the former University President, Dr. Horace Fleming, former Director of Athletics Richard Giannini and current Senior Associate Athletics Director Sonya Varnell.
When a person files a sexual harassment suit they must be able to provide sufficient evidence to the courts otherwise the case could be thrown out. Proving harassment, retaliation or discrimination can be difficult unless you have an accomplished sexual harassment attorney working on your case.
Your lawyer will dedicate their time and energy speaking with witnesses and gathering other evidence in order to assure that receive a favorable settlement that compensates you for your emotional distress and any lost wages.
“The Spy Who Shagged Me” Is Real? Sexual Harassment Case Involving Spy Goes Undercover
October 10th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
A new sexual harassment case is giving a whole new meaning to Austin Powers’ “The Spy Who Shagged Me” movie. A spy that was accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague is scheduled to stand trial under an alternate name because his life may be at risk if his real identity is revealed.
The sexual offender, who is believed to work for MI5, has been charged with two counts of common assault, one count of sexual assault and one count of harassment. The case will be tried at Southwark Crown Court, but the identity of the assailant will be protected during proceedings. The spy was given the pseudonym Mark Barton and will testify from behind a screen so that no one will even see his face. Anyone who breaches the confidentiality order of the case may be held in contempt of court.
At a pretrial hearing, Judge Alistair McCreath agreed to grant the spy anonymity on the grounds that there could be a “real and immediate risk to his life.”
But what about the woman victim? She is also a member of the secret service, so will her identity be protected as well? That has yet to be determined.
For those of us who are not spies but who have been victimized by sexual offenders, help is available right now. If you or someone you know experienced unwanted touching, were victims of unwelcomed sexual commentary, or experienced any form of sexual assault, including rape, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and protect your rights. You may b eligible for compensation and your sexual harassment attorney will make sure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Are Your Tax Dollars Being Allocated Toward Settling Other People’s Sexual Harassment Cases?
October 5th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
If you are in New York, then the answer is yes. An inmate has won a $300,000 sexual harassment lawsuit after an improper “pat and frisk” incident by a guard, but the money came from New York taxpayers. State taxpayers coughed up $5.3 million to settle sexual harassment cases against NY workers over four years. And you thought you paid a lot in taxes?
The former inmate, Stephen Lewis, was among the first sexual harassment cases for which information was released under the state Freedom of Information Law on Thursday and Friday. The report shows over 20 cases of sexual harassment over the past four years that were all settled with taxpayers’ money.
Lewis was a prisoner at Arthur Kill on Staten Island who was found to be a victim of a “sexually abusive pat and frisk” by a male guard in November 2007. Another prisoner, Laurie Kellogg, also obtained a $75,000 settlement for a sexual harassment case she filed in 2007.
In another case, nearly $2 million was paid to a cook at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility who accused her boss of sexual harassment in 2000 and 2005 and retaliation.
These records were requested following the disclosure of $103,000 in public taxpayer money paid to settle a sexual harassment case against Assemblyman Vito Lopez.
If you have been struggling with your own sexual harassment or assault claim, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and make sure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering as well. Your sexual harassment attorney will fight for your rights and ensure the perpetrator is held responsible for their crimes.
Landlord to Pay Millions in California Sexual Harassment Case
September 12th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
BAKERSFIELD, CA – A California landlord has been ordered to pay $2.13 million in damages and civil penalties following a Justice Department Fair Housing Act lawsuit alleging he sexually harassed current and prospective female tenants.
The complaint alleges that Rawland Leon Sorensen, the owner and manager of several residential rental properties in Bakersfield, CA, would repeatedly make unwelcome sexual comments and advances to the women, often even exposing his genitals and touching the victims without their consent.
The settlement represents the largest in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought forth by the Justice Department under the Fair Housing Act. As part of the settlement, Sorensen is required to pay $2,075,000 in damages to 25 victims. In addition, Sorensen must also pay a $55,000 civil penalty to the United States, the maximum penalty available under the Fair Housing Act.
Sorensen must also hire an independent manager to manage his rental properties and will have very strict regulations for his future dealings with tenants.
“The Eastern District of California is committed to enforcing the civil rights of all persons in the District,” said Benjamin B. Wagner, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California. “This case involved a course of conduct that spanned several years and affected many vulnerable persons. The decree sends a strong message to property owners that discrimination will not be tolerated.”
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including a mild sexual joke or a request for sexual favors in exchange for benefits. Regardless of the type of assault, all sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome. If you or someone you know has experienced some form of sexual harassment, turn to a team of sexual harassment lawyers right away to ensure the perpetrator is stopped immediately and to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.
New York Ethics Agency Discusses Whether to Pursue Sexual Harassment Investigation
September 4th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
ALBANY, NY – A state ethics agency is discussing whether to launch a formal investigation into a sexual harassment case centering on the Democratic-controlled Assembly.
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is reviewing the details of a sexual harassment allegations filed against Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez. According to the claims, Lopez sexually harassed and groped two female staff members.
A separate ethics panel last month sided with the alleged victims and Lopez was stripped of his Assembly committee chairman’s job and has lost his leadership of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
Lopez is denying he committed any wrongdoing.
According to a JCOPE spokesman, the panel may not publicly disclose whether or not it will choose to pursue the investigation into the sexual harassment incident.
Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome and unwanted sexual conduct that can create a hostile work environment. Instances can be as simple as a sexual joke or as severe as rape. Regardless of the type of incident, victims have a right to seek legal help. If you or someone you know has been victimized, speak to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers stop at nothing to ensure the offender is brought to justice. They also work diligently to make sure your rights are upheld and ensure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. With an acclaimed sexual harassment attorney on your side, you can be sure your case will end favorably.
While sexual harassment is in direct violation of a person’s rights, not everyone chooses to come forward out of fear for the offender or of retaliation. Unfortunately, doing nothing almost guarantees the actions will not cease. Don’t suffer sexual harassment anymore; speak to a sexual harassment attorney today to file a claim.
Assemblyman Pays Over $100,000 to Settle Sexual Harassment Claim
August 28th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
ALBANY, NY — Assembly speaker paid out over $100,000 in sexual harassment case.
Sheldon Silver, the New York State Assembly speaker, paid $103,080 to settle sexual harassment claims against Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez this year.
Lopez, 71, was accused of was sexual harassment by two female employees in his office. A previous claim was quietly settled by the Assembly earlier this year. That accusation was brought forward by at least one other woman who worked for Lopez.
According to sources, the $103,080 is not the exact sum that was paid out to the victims. Money controlled by Lopez was also used in the deal, possibly from his personal finances, campaign money or with funds from his nonprofit group.
Sexual harassment can include any unwanted sexual behavior or conduct, regardless of how mild or severe it is. Instances can include lewd jokes, propositions for sex, or even physical attacks. No matter what you have been through, it is important to take action against the offenders before the incidents get worse. If you or someone you know has suffered from unwanted sexual misconduct, seek the help of a top sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice. They care about your rights and will also work diligently to make sure you obtain the benefits you deserve for your pain and suffering, including money damages and lost wages. Rest assured that with a skilled team of sexual harassment attorneys on your side, your case will end quickly and with the best possible outcome.
Don’t suffer in a hostile workplace any longer. Speak to an acclaimed sexual harassment attorney right away to discuss your options and file a case.
Michigan Inmates Must Pay Restitution Before Claiming Sexual Harassment Settlement
August 8th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LANSING, Michigan – According to a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling, women who were incarcerated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and claim they were sexually assaulted are not eligible to receive compensation from the settlement of their class-action lawsuit against the state until victim restitution and child support they owe is paid.
According to the ruling, the Department of Corrections must “…pay from the settlement proceeds any restitution, fees and costs that any class member is obligated to pay … before any future disbursement may be made to such a class member.”
The sexual harassment case results from accusations by nearly 800 women who were former inmates of the Department of Corrections and won a $100 million settlement from the state in 2009. The victims claimed they were subjected to sexual abuse by prison guards.
After the news of the settlement broke, Oakland and Wayne counties wanted the names of the women so they could seek restitution for victims of the inmates’ crimes. Now, the inmates must meet any outstanding child support payments and other financial obligations before obtaining their sexual harassment settlement.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime that involves unwanted comments or physical actions that are sexual in nature. Instances can range anywhere from mild lewd comments to violent attacks. But regardless of the individual situation, victims have rights to a safe, non-hostile workplace. If you or someone you know has suffered at the hands of a sexual offender, turn to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away to ensure the perpetrator is stopped immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers will stop the offender from harming you or anyone else again and will see to it you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Turn to a sexual harassment attorney today to file a case.
Grand Slam? New Mexico IHOP Franchises Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $1 Million
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit in 2011 on behalf of female employees, including teenagers, who said they were subjected to unwanted comments and touching by a manger that was shuffled around to different IHOP franchises. The women alleged that the franchise owner failed to adequately address the harassment which was so prevalent that some of the women quit their jobs.
The settlement filed against Famim Adi the owner of Mantanio Inc. is the second-largest settlement for a sexual harassment case received by the Albuquerque office of the EEOC.
The settlement funds will be split between 22 women named in the suit.
In addition to the settlement, Matanio Inc. will have to provide a workplace that is free from sex discrimination and retaliation.
Mary Jo O’Neill who works at the Phoenix office of the EEOC said, “Management must constantly be reminded of their obligation to maintain work places where the employees are not subject to illegal harassment or forced to quit because of the harassment,” according to Bizjournals.
Though it is an employer’s responsibility to prevent and stop incidents of harassment or discrimination, they frequently fail to do so, leaving victims no other alternative than to retain a sexual harassment attorney. A lawyer can not only make an employer address their problems, but they can also make certain the harassed person or persons are compensated for their emotional distress.