Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Harassment Training’
Federal Judge Overturns $3.5 Sexual Harassment Award for former D.C. Lifeguard
April 11th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Washington, D.C. – Last month, a federal judge overturned a $3.5 million settlement awarded to a former lifeguard for the Department of Parks and Recreation stating the judgment was too large.
The large award went to Carmen Jean Baptiste, 43, who began working as a lifeguard at the Takoma Aquatic Center in May or June of 2006. During her August 2012, trial Jean-Baptiste told the court that soon after she began her job, her supervisor, Rodney Weaver began sexually harassing her.
According to her allegations, Weaver asked he out on dates and “whether she had a man,” the Washington Post reported. Additionally, Weaver would stroke her hair, make sexual advances and jokes. Jean-Baptiste also alleged that Weaver made references to her genitalia telling her he “wanted some of that.”
The lawsuit stated that Jean-Baptiste notified at least half a dozen supervisors at the pool of the misconduct, but the harassment just got worse. Jean-Baptiste became so frustrated with the behavior that she filed a written complaint in October 2006, and was fired shortly afterward.
In her initial lawsuit, Jean-Baptiste’s attorneys said she was fired out of retaliation for reporting Weaver. The Department of Parks and Recreation denied that Jean-Baptiste was harassed by Weaver and further stated she was not fired from reporting
The jury at the trial however felt that Jean-Baptiste’s claims were accurate and awarded her a $3.5 million settlement for her “pain.” The jury further stated they were “embarrassed” about how management at the pool handled Jean-Baptiste’s complaints, the Post reported.
On top of the large settlement, the jury also made suggestion on how the Department of Parks and Recreation could improve their sexual harassment training procedures and called for an investigation.
Last month, the judge who presided over the August trial overturned the $3.5 million settlement, stating it was “so great as to shock the conscience,” and that it was “inordinately large.”
Judge Royce Lamberth agreed that Weaver’s behavior was inappropriate and “disgusting,” but determined that Jean-Baptiste could only be compensated for her actual damages caused by the city.
The Post noted that Jean-Baptiste, who claimed the harassment caused her emotional distress, anxiety and depression, didn’t present any expert testimony from any medical or psychological professional to back up her claims of emotional distress.
Although Judge Lamberth overturned the $3.5 million settlement, he gave Jean-Baptiste 21 days to decide if she wanted to take a lesser amount of $350,000, or request another trial over the issue of damages.
The attorneys representing Jean-Baptiste said they were unclear whether their client wanted to pursue another trial or will take the reduced settlement.
It’s not unusual for a judge to overturn a sexual harassment settlement of they believe the victim did not provide sufficient evidence to back their complaints. Just last week, a Florida judge overturned a $700,000 settlement awarded to a firefighter who alleged her male co-workers harassed her. The judge in that case stated, the victims didn’t provide sufficient proof that her harassment was pervasive and repeated.
Lopez Sexual Harassment Scandal Goes Before New York Ethics Committee
February 14th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Albany, NY-A sexual harassment scandal involving Brooklyn pol Vito Lopez that broke last August went before the state’s ethics committee and they have concluded their investigation.
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics, called JCOPE, has released their report to Lopez’s attorney, but their findings have not been made public. JCOPE has at least 45 days before they have to release the results to the public.
But people with knowledge of the inquiry told the New York Times that Sheldon Silver who was also involved in the scandal will not face any charges. Silver was accused of approving a secret pay off to two women who accused Lopez of sexual harassment last year.
Silver’s involvement in the scandal was revealed by the Times last August after Lopez was accused of groping and trying to kissing two young female staffers at his Brooklyn office. Following that incident Lopez, 71, was censured and was forced to resign from his leadership post for the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
Lopez was also asked to attend sexual harassment training and was forbidden to hire any female staffers that were under the age of 21. But neither of those actions prevented Lopez from sexually harassing other women.
Lopez denied the allegations from the later women saying, “The charges made against are unfair and untrue. Never did I intentionally touch or attempt to kiss either complainant. I have never forced myself on anyone, nor would I.”
After the news broke about that incident various New York newspapers did some digging and discovered that Sliver approved of a secret $100,000 to two women who had complained that Lopez sexually harassed them earlier that year in an effort to cover up the allegations. The bulk of those that settlement money came from taxpayer funds, but some also came from Lopez.
It was also discovered, after this case came to light that over the past decade various districts in the state of New York paid out over $5 million to settle various allegations of sexual harassment.
From the onset, Silver’s office was confident that JCOPE wouldn’t find him guilty of any wrongdoing.
“As we have said throughout, we are confident that the commission found no legal or ethical violation by Speaker Silver or his staff and urge the Legislative Ethics Commission to release the report immediately,” Sliver’s spokesman, Michael Whyland told the New York Times.
As for Lopez, his attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, doesn’t believe the JCOPE report contains any new or previously undisclosed information, “From what I know of the investigation, it’s the same old stuff that he’s already been disciplined for.”
Lopez, who is also facing a criminal case pursued by a New York Special Prosecutor, did not testify for the committee upon his attorney’s advice. Nor will he testify for the pending criminal case.
Businesses and other workplaces should take note of this case and realize that when they have an employee, male or female who has a history of misconduct they should take swift action and discipline or dismiss the offender to save them from exorbitant financial liability.
Vegas Marriott Owner Pays $155K to Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
November 7th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Las Vegas, NV- Hotspur Resorts Inc. who owns and operates the JW Marriot in Summerlin has agreed to pay $155K to settle a decade old sexual harassment lawsuit.
The small settlement will be split between three women who worked for Wooloughan’s Irish Pub, located on the premises.
In the lawsuit, the women said that a male co-worker, who was later promoted to manager, subjected them verbal and physical harassment starting in 2003 and continued to 2007, according to the Las Vegas Journal-Review.
The suit alleges that the harassment continued until the man was fired in 2007 and that their supervisors failed to prevent or stop the misconduct.
In addition, to paying the settlement, Hotspur Resorts Inc. has agreed to institute sexual harassment training and a reporting system. The EEOC will monitor the company to assure they are complying with the directive.
One of the primary reasons victims of harassment or discrimination retain sexual harassment attorneys is to make their abusers and employers address a pervasive problem. This type of workplace abuse can creates extreme emotional distress. Even though many employers are aware of how prevalent harassment is, they are often reluctant to recognize the problem or address it.
Allowing harassment and discrimination to remain unaddressed is detrimental to the workplace as a whole. They also make themselves vulnerable to lawsuits, when swift action could have saved tem a great deal of money.
High School Teacher Awarded $450,000 in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
September 21st, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
NEW YORK – A high school teacher has been awarded $450,000 from New York City in a sexual harassment lawsuit that claimed she was repeatedly victimized by students.
Theresa Reel, a former teacher at Brooklyn’s School for Legal Studies, filed the lawsuit in 2009 claiming she endured repeated “lewd, vulgar and offensive remarks” by students, oftentimes even being threatened and sexually assaulted.
Reel also contends she was retaliated against after complaining of the harassment.
“One time they said I wore an inappropriate top. I don’t know what they were talking about,” Reel said. “No principal said anything to me about what I was wearing was improper. I really suspect this was their way of saying we’re going to go after you in an ugly manner if you continue this.”
According to the lawsuit, Reel says a principal implied she was making everything up or did something to merit the harassment.
The city agreed to pay Reel $450,000 to settle the suit and also agreed to remove the poor ratings from her record if she resigned.
Reel agreed and said she was glad the situation was over. She added that she hopes some changes will be made to prevent future incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault from occurring.
“To feel complete I would want the DOE to start mandating some type of sexual harassment training for administrators to let them know how to handle these complaints,” Reel said.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a sexual offender, speak to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away to put an end to the unwanted behavior.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure your rights are protected, making sure the harasser is brought to justice and that you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
California Vineyard to Pay $350,000 in Sexual Harassment Damages
July 3rd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
FRESNO, California — A Fresno grape grower has been ordered to pay $350,000 following a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit.
Giumarra Vineyards, in Edision, California, has been ordered to pay the settlement as well as make changes in company policies after a sexual harassment complaint was filed.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a 17-year-old worker at vineyard was sexually harassed by a co-worker. She and four other workers complained about the abuse but when they spoke up, all four of them were fired.
In addition to the damages, Giumarra has agreed to provide sexual harassment training for all workers at the vineyard to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future. Giumarra must also amend its anti-discrimination policies and complaint procedures, must develop a complaint tracking system, and must hire a human resources professional to handle sexual harassment complaints.
Jeff Giumarra, a spokesman for Giumarra, said in a statement that the company takes sexual harassment cases “very seriously” and was “proud” to change its policies to include the new harassment and discrimination training program.
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted and unwelcome sexual conduct. It can be anything from a general lewd joke to a serious physical attack like rape. Regardless of the individual circumstances, all sexual harassment incidents can lead the victim to feel afraid and embarrassed, affecting their performance at work and even leading to trauma. If you or someone you know has been harassed, contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the victim obtains justice and compensation for their pain and suffering. They will also make sure that the perpetrator is held liable for their actions.
Contact a sexual harassment attorney today to fight for your rights.
Minnesota EMT Fired for Sexual Harassment
May 31st, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Erskine, MN- A paramedic has been suspended indefinitely for inappropriately touching women by the Emergency Medical Services Board.
Rick Besser, the suspended EMT was fired in 2001 from a job in Erskine were he sexually harassed female employees.
According to the recent allegations, Besser touched the breasts of two women during a demonstration. He is also accused of taking one of the students in a class he was teaching to a store to buy underwear, according the Star Tribune.
Although Besser apologized for his behavior, he did not view his actions as inappropriate. He has been ordered to take the advice of a mental health professional and must pass a sexual harassment training program.
Despite training programs, sexual harassment is still a rampant issue in the workplace. Many men and women are subjected this behavior on a daily basis. Not only does this create a hostile workplace it also causes emotional distress.
Most harassment victims just want the inappropriate touching and comments to just stop, but often their supervisors don’t take these allegations seriously and the harassment persists. These victims often have no other option than to hire a Minnesota sexual harassment attorney to end their workplace abuse.
In addition to enduring harassment, employees who report the incidents are sometimes retaliated against, meaning they can lose hours, promotions and even their jobs. A sexual harassment lawyer will make certain that employers are held accountable for acting against an employee for reporting workplace abuse.
A Minnesota sexual harassment attorney can obtain much needed compensation for the victims of this sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Two Female Workers Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit against Iowa Egg Farm
May 17th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Iowa City, IA- Two female workers at an Iowa egg farm have reached a settlement after a court determined they were sexually harassed by a supervisor.
The two women, who filed the lawsuit with The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, allege that one of their supervisors groped them and made sexual advances towards them in 2009.
One of the women named in the suit stated that shortly after she was hired her manager cornered her in a break room and began groping her. She managed to get away and complained to management, but they took no action.
There are numerous cases where employers fail to address workplace abuse. The people subjected to a hostile work environment often find they must turn to an Iowa sexual harassment attorney to put an end to the misconduct.
The lawsuit against Quality Egg yielded a sizable settlement for the women who will be compensated for lost wages and damages for their pain and suffering.
The owners of the farm have transferred management after they were hit with a wave of lawsuits including a sexual harassment suit from 2002 where Hispanic women allege they were sexually harassed and raped by supervisors. Their sexual harassment lawyer won a $1.5 million judgment on their behalf.
The management of Quality Egg has been transferred to another company, Centrum Valley Farms, who stated they have provided sexual harassment training to all employees and have established a system to report any sexual misconduct.
Employees can retain sexual harassment attorneys to get them the compensation they deserve for tolerating this type of abuse and any wages they have lost because of retaliation.
Arizona Golf Course and Restaurant Settles Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Suit
May 2nd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ – A Fountain Hills-based golf course and restaurant has agreed to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that charged the company with retaliating against a former employee.
The EEOC’s suit claims Golf International violated federal law when it fired Jeffrey White one day after he submitted a complaint regarding sexual harassment at the workplace.
White reported that several female employees felt they had been the victims of sexual harassment by the head chef. After White filed a complaint with the EEOC, the company offered to hire White back if he dropped the charge. Golf International ended up rehiring White, but terminated him again weeks later.
The settlement requires that Golf International pay $25,000 to White as well as provide discrimination and sexual harassment training to employees.
“Employment discrimination cannot be stopped or corrected if employees do not feel free to report it,” said EEOC Phoenix Regional Attorney Mary Jo O’Neill. “The law’s protections against retaliation are absolutely critical to enforcement of employees’ civil rights. We are pleased that Golf International worked cooperatively with us to resolve this case and that they will train their current and future employees that discrimination and retaliation are unlawful and will not be tolerated. We are hopeful that this agreement will help promote a discrimination-free workplace going forward.”
If you or someone you know has been the victim of workplace abuse, turn to a leadingsexual harassment lawyer in Arizona for immediate help. Sexual harassment can be anything from a mild lewd joke to a physical attack, but all harassment is against the law and victims have a right to seek help.
Turn to an Arizona sexual harassment attorney right now to file a case.
Tennessee Restaurant Settles Sexual Harassment Claim
January 18th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
TENNESSEE – Rafael’s Italian Restaurant has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for $25,000.
The EEOC’s accused Rafael’s Italian Restaurant in Tullahoma of subjecting female employees to sexual harassment. In the complaint, male kitchen workers at the restaurant reportedly made lewd comments to the women, requesting sexual acts.
The EEOC also alleged that restaurant managers did not address the problem, even after victims reported the incidents. This is a direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In addition to the $25,000 fine, the restaurant will now have to provide annual sexual harassment training, keep records of any future sexual harassment complaints, as well as provide reports to the EEOC each year.
“Allowing serial harassers to victimize female employees without facing consequences is a clear violation of federal law,” said Faye A. Williams, an attorney for the EEOC. “Managers must take swift action to stop this sort of abuse when they receive complaints of sexual harassment from their employees, especially when the complaints involve teenage employees who are in the work force for the first time.”
Sexual harassment can include several different types of actions that range from mild to extremely severe. They may occur just one time or persist, leading the victim to feel uncomfortable or even frightened. Regardless of the particular type of sexual harassment, the important thing to remember is that victims have rights and are entitled to seek help. If you or someone you know has been victimized, turn to a leading team of sexual harassment lawyers immediately for assistance.
As a sexual harassment victim, you may be entitled to a large compensation for your pain and suffering. Rest assured that your sexual harassment lawyer will do everything in their power to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Your paralegal will work diligently to protect your rights and ensure the harasser is brought to justice.
Finding a skilled sexual harassment lawyer to work with is easy when you use the internet as a resource. Unfortunately, that convenience is being threatened by the new SOPA bill. SOPA is a government legislature that is intended on censoring the internet and may cause millions of sites to get shut down, including those of sexual harassment lawyers and the sites that connect you to them, such as this one. Don’t allow this to happen. Fight for your rights with a sexual harassment lawyer and fight for your freedom by petitioning against the SOPA bill.
McDonald’s Owner to Pay $1 Million in Sexual Harassment Settlement
WISCONSIN – A company that owns 25 McDonald’s restaurants in Wisconsin has been ordered to pay $1 million to 10 former employees of the Reedsburg McDonald’s after they were sexually harassed during their employment.
Poynette-based Missoula Mac, Inc. was sued in 2011 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
In the complaint, the EEOC alleges that since at least 2006, several male employees at the Reedsburg store sexually harassed female co-workers with incidents involving “sexual comments, kissing, touching of their private areas and forcing their hands onto the men’s private parts.”
Three former female workers filed discrimination charges with the EEOC, but when an out-of-court settlement could not be reached, the EEOC filed a civil rights lawsuit against Missoula Mac, Inc.
As part of the settlement, Missoula Mac has agreed to create a position to handle sexual harassment complaints, establish hotlines for employees to file complaints, begin sexual harassment training for employees, among other sexual harassment prevention and support tactics.
Sexual harassment is something many employees have to deal with at work. All persons are entitled to a work environment free from hostility and abuse, so if you or someone you know has been hurt by a sexual offender, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
Sexual harassment lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions. They will also see to it you receive compensation for your pain and suffering and will help educate fellow workers on how to stop and prevent harassment in general.
To stop sexual abuse at the workplace right now, contact a sexual harassment attorney to discuss your options and file a case.