Litigation

CHICAGO AREA WOMAN STRIKES BLOW FOR WORKING MOMS

By Mark P. Loftus, Esq.

Last week the Chicago Tribune ran an article by Ameet Sachdev on a sizable verdict recently handed down by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. The case involved Dena Lockwood[pictured above] a working mom, who took a job with Professional Neurological Services in 2004. She paid a price because she was a parent. Lockwood's commission rate was lower than other sales personnel who did not have children. She had a tougher time getting time off than her single counterparts. And Lockwood felt ignored in sales meetings. Then in 2006, she had to take a day off because her 4 year old was sick. Her manager fired her.

Lockwood elected not to go to court, but to file a discrimination claim against Professional Neurological with the Commission And she won - in a big way. In July the Commission ruled awarded her over $213,000, including $100,000 in punitive damages. In addition, the hearing officer has recommended that Lockwood's legal team receive $87,000 in legal fees. Professional Neurological has indicated it intends to appeal the award.

Congrats to Lockwood and her attorney, Ruth Major.

Full post as published by Illinois Lawyer Blog on February 02, 2010 (boomark / email).