|
|
|
Last Updated: May 13th, 2009 - 14:37:01 |
 |
| James Stevens |
New York, NY (April 20, 2009) - The California Supreme Court has declined to hear the case of James Stevens vs. Vons, a high-profile sexual harassment case in which James Stevens won an $18.4 million ($1.67 million compensatory and $16.7 million punitive damages) judgment from a jury in Simi Valley, CA in Oct. 2006 after he sued his former employer, the supermarket chain, Vons, for sexual harassment and retaliation. His harasser was his female supervisor whose lewd sexual innuendos made the work environment intolerable for this devout Christian.
Upon Vons’ appeal, the trial court judge reduced Stevens’ combined verdict to $2.4 million. The judge then gave James a choice--either accept the reduction or have a completely new trial. Stevens opted to accept the reduction while maintaining his right to appeal the judge's reduction. The California Court of Appeal affirmed the reduction, and the California Supreme Court declined to hear Stevens’ petition for review. Stevens is now appealing his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The judge gave me a generous choice between a hanging and a firing squad,” said Stevens. “He made it clear that if I elected the new trial, it would be in his court again, and I was advised that I would not win the second time. I continue to be victimized by Vons, the trial court judge, California appellate judges and the California Supreme Court. I have lost my family, my job and my health insurance during this process, and much of the money I did receive has basically gone into the case.”
Ironically, the refusal comes during the month of April, recently proclaimed by President Obama as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During the month, sexual assault programs across the country promote public awareness of sexual assault issues, including employees who experience sexual harassment or actual sexual assault in the workplace.
It also comes during a time when more men are reporting sexual harassment at work. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, cases filed by men now make up 15.4 percent, compared to 14.3 percent in 2005 and 11.6 percent a decade ago.
“While the sexual overtones may be salacious, the fact is that sexual harassment in the workplace is unlawful and intolerable, whether it’s black on white, woman on man, or same sex, and it’s because of people like James that laws change in the first place,” said Areva Martin, Esq., employment law attorney and managing partner of Martin & Martin, LLP, who is now representing Stevens. “Punitive awards are important because they change corporate behavior when they are large enough to serve as a deterrent. The reduction in this case basically represents a slap on the wrist to Vons.”
Attorney Martin and Stevens are encouraging consumer attorneys, employee advocate groups, and civil organizations to weigh in with Amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the appeal. The number of Amicus (friends of the court) briefs filed by organizations not party to the litigation can affect whether or not the Court hears the case. Interested parties should contact Atty. Martin at 213-388-4747. Families engaged in civil suits against large corporations and who need support can call Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization started by Stevens to help others through the process, at 877-216-1975 or visit. www.getjusticeforall.org.
Sent by Danette Wills on behalf of the Terrie Williams Agency.
Read and search hundreds of news stories on SeeingBlack.com's 411 Channel.
Click here to view all our blogs and discussion groups, where you can comment on any news stories or post your own news.
Do you shop at Amazon? Please shop through our link and support
SeeingBlack.com!
© Copyright 2006 SeeingBlack.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
