Employer forced to pay $1.7 million in age discrimination suit

On Behalf of | May 30, 2014 | Workplace Discrimination |

Ideally, your job security should rely on your performance as an employee. If you’re hardworking, diligent and capable, with a good attitude toward your employers and colleagues, surely that should be enough. Unfortunately, it is not always so and many workers in Indiana suffer persecution at the hands of the people they work with.

The same is true across the United States, as one woman found out when she became the victim of age discrimination in New Brunswick. The 49-year-old woman was employed as an administrative assistant by Franklin Care Center in 2005. Almost six years later, in June 2011, her employment was terminated. She believes this action, and the decision not to offer her a position as an open payroll coordinator was influenced by her age.

The resultant lawsuit targeted Tandem Management Company, the home’s management firm, along with the nursing home itself. Her evidence convinced the jury of the alleged discrimination and she was initially awarded $210,000 in compensatory damages. However, once the jury had heard additional evidence, they added punitive damages of $1.5 million. This was divided between the home, which was required to pay a percentage, and the management firm which was liable for the remaining amount.

Hopefully, this award should help to cover the woman’s legal costs and make up for the loss of employment. Even so, it is a pity she had to go through this experience at all. If you should find yourself in a similar position, you can certainly learn from her example. It is vital to stand up for your rights and ensure discriminatory employers are brought to justice An attorney may be able to support you and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Source: NJ.com, “East Brunswick woman wins $1.7 million age discrimination verdict against former employer,” Sue Epstein, May 20, 2014

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