In our last post we wrote about how mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes may be used to resolve disputes privately between the parties. Sometimes, cases have to be tried in a court of law. The best approach depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

In this post, we will discuss a New Jersey wrongful termination lawsuit that went to verdict recently, and how its results may apply to you.

The Case

A New Jersey man claimed wrongful discharge in 2011, and he filed a lawsuit against the City of Hoboken, his former employer. Before termination, he was employed part time as a public safety director. He claimed the mayor fired him because he blew the whistle on unlawful misconduct inside the city’s police department. He also alleged he was the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of his ethnic origin, which was Hispanic.

The case went to trial and in December of 2013 a jury determined the mayor had done nothing wrong, but they also found the City guilty of discrimination. They awarded back pay of $440,000. In early 2014, the same jury awarded the plaintiff punitive damages against the City of Hoboken totaling $625,000, and attorneys’ fees of $132,600. The city appealed.

The Settlement

Before the case went to the Appellate Division, the parties reached a settlement agreement. All claims against the City and the mayor were dropped and neither defendant admitted to liability. In exchange, the plaintiff will receive $700,000. The Hoboken City Council recently approved the settlement.

Conclusion

There are several important takeaways from this case. First, it illustrates that a wrongful termination case may unfold very differently than anticipated. It is impossible to predict the results on liability or damages when a plaintiff starts his or her case. Second, it shows that wrongful termination lawsuits sometimes achieve outstanding results, justice, and reasonable compensation for a plaintiff who is brave enough to weather the storm against a former employer.

If you believe you have been or are about to be the victim of wrongful discharge, unlawful discrimination, or unlawful retaliation, you should contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options. Look at our website,www.hananisaacs.com, for additional information and insights.