Wrongfully

Polk County’s Costly Fallout: Jury Awards $4 Million to Wrongfully Terminated HR Director Amid Political Turmoil

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A jury in Dallas County has awarded former Polk County Human Resources Director Jim Niehaus more than $4 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit. The ruling opens the door for taxpayers to potentially shoulder part of this substantial financial burden. The jury found that several Polk County officials were liable for libel when they terminated Niehaus’s employment in 2020. The circumstances surrounding Niehaus’s firing are emblematic of a larger pattern of internal disputes among the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Matt McCoy commented on the ongoing turmoil, acknowledging the challenges … Read more

Justice Served: Jury Awards $60 Million to Man Wrongfully Charged by Disgraced Michigan Prosecutor

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DETROIT — In a significant ruling, a jury awarded nearly $60 million to Sean MacMaster, who claimed that a former Michigan prosecutor and a police officer violated his rights in an alleged sexual abuse case that was ultimately dismissed. The jury found that Brian Kolodziej and state police Lt. David Busacca acted with “intentional disregard for the truth” as they pursued charges against MacMaster. The jury’s award included $33 million to address lost wages, emotional distress, and damage to MacMaster’s reputation, along with an additional $25 million in punitive damages due to the “malicious” nature … Read more

Federal Jury Grants $1 Million Victory to IAFF Members Wrongfully Dismissed for Union Activities

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A federal jury in Virginia has awarded $1 million to members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) who were dismissed from their positions due to their efforts in organizing a union. The verdict, handed down in a case that has drawn attention to labor rights and union activities, underscores the ongoing tensions between employee organization efforts and management in various sectors. The dispute involved several employees of a local fire department, who alleged they faced retaliation after taking steps to establish a union. Testimony during the trial revealed that the employees had engaged … Read more

Justice Served: Jury Awards $60M to Man Wrongfully Accused by Disgraced Prosecutor in Shocking Misconduct Case

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DETROIT — A jury awarded nearly $60 million to a man who alleged that a former Michigan prosecutor and a police officer infringed on his civil rights during a misconduct case that was ultimately dismissed by the state attorney general. The verdict underscores the rarity of successful lawsuits against prosecutors due to their significant legal immunities. The jury found that Brian Kolodziej, a former assistant attorney general, and state police Lieutenant David Busacca acted with “intentional, deliberate, or reckless disregard for the truth” while pursuing sexual abuse charges against Sean MacMaster. The jury’s decision included … Read more