Sex Harassment Verdict of $3.5 Million Upheld
27 Jul 2007
Palo Alto, CA - May 6, 1998 - Baker & McKenzie, the world's largest law firm, must pay millions to former worker.
A state court has upheld a landmark sexual harassment verdict awarded to a former Palo Alto legal secretary. By a 3-0 vote, a state Court of Appeal in San Francisco ruled late Monday that Rena Weeks was entitled to $3.5 million in punitive damages levied against her former employer.
Sexual harassment in the workplace has become the basis for legal action in recent years. Companies that permit offensive sexual conduct or acquiesce in the creation of a hostile work environment are being sued by employees claiming both compensatory and punitive damages. Juries are awarding significant damages in cases of harassment, and the appellate courts are becoming less likely to overturn or reduce the awards.