Overturns

Alaska Supreme Court Overturns $2.3 Million Jury Award in Controversial Social Worker Retaliation Case

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An Alaska Supreme Court ruling has invalidated a $2.3 million jury award granted to a former state social worker who had sued her employer for retaliation and wrongful termination. The court upheld the lower court’s decision to deny a motion for a new trial on liability filed by the Office of Children’s Services, while overturning the employee’s award. The agency argued that the jury award duplicated the compensation the plaintiff had already received in workers’ compensation benefits. The Supreme Court determined that there wasn’t enough evidence in the trial record to settle the matter. The … Read more

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Overturns $366 Million Verdict in FedEx Employee’s Retaliation Lawsuit

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HOUSTON, Texas – A recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has significant implications for employers regarding race discrimination and retaliation claims. The court overturned a jury verdict that had awarded a Houston-based FedEx employee $366 million in damages. Jennifer Harris, a district sales manager in Texas, filed a race discrimination complaint against her supervisor within the company. In response, Harris was placed on a performance improvement plan. She was later placed on a second plan and ultimately recommended for termination, leading her to believe her supervisor’s actions were pretextual. Harris presented evidence … Read more

Landmark Ruling: Appeals Court Overturns $365M Punitive Damages Against FedEx

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – In a recent ruling, an appeals court overturned a $365 million jury award of punitive damages against FedEx. The decision came after a trial in which FedEx was sued for allegedly overcharging customers through its fuel surcharge practices. The case, which dates back to 2006, accused FedEx of intentionally misleading customers about the application of its fuel surcharges. A jury had initially awarded the plaintiffs $5.5 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $365 million in punitive damages. However, the appeals court found that the punitive damages were excessive and violated FedEx’s … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Overturns $223 Million Jury Award in Johnson & Johnson Talc-Related Cancer Case

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The federal appeals court has overturned a $223 million jury award in a case where New Jersey residents claimed they developed cancer from using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, according to reports and a recent ruling. The appellate division of the Superior Court of New Jersey stated that the scientific testimony linking J&J’s products to the cancers was improper and should not have been presented to the jurors. The panel explained that the experts for the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient explanations for the facts or methods supporting their claims. Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President … Read more