Labor & Employment Law

Earlier this week, a jury in Connecticut returned a $2 million verdict for the plaintiff in a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit.  A school principal argued that she was retaliated against after reporting that two teachers had abused minority students.  What is interesting about the case is the size of the verdict in light of the relatively minor adverse employment action taken by the employer.  The plaintiff was placed on administrative leave (presumably paid) for approximately 8 weeks and her economic damages were only $3,000.  Nevertheless, the jury awarded $1 million in non-economic damages and $1 million in punitive damages.  As in the Sheffield v. Goodyear case discussed below, this provides another example that juries can use non-economic damages to make a statement.  An article about the case can be read here.