Punitive Damages Award Of $1.5 Million In Retaliation Suit Was Excessive
In this
case, the United States District Court held that a
punitive damages award of $1.5 million was excessive, in an employee's § 1981
retaliation action against his employer. Although the employer's conduct was
reprehensible, as the employee endured sexist and racist remarks throughout his
employment, and he was berated, intimidated, and ultimately discharged for his
refusal to perpetuate discriminatory employment practices, the employer's
conduct could not be characterized as violent. Also, the employer's conduct did
not endanger the health and safety of others. The compensatory damages award was
only $137,985, so that the punitive damages award was nearly 11 times greater.
Furthermore, the award was excessive in light of other awards in comparable
cases.
Kauffman v. Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc.