Jury Verdicts & Settlements

Latest jury verdicts, settlements, and legal outcome analysis

Jury Sides With Employer in Workplace Harassment Lawsuit

A former admission recruiter at a Broward County barber and cosmetology school sued her employer and a co-worker, alleging that the co-worker repeatedly grabbed and touched her without consent and made unwanted sexual advances at the workplace in 2016 and 2017. The lawsuit accused the co-worker of negligence and assault and battery, and accused the school of vicarious liability and negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The Defendants denied the incidents occurred and raised multiple defenses, including Florida's impact rule and workers' compensation immunity. After a trial in June 2025, the jury returned a verdict in the school's favor, and the Court entered a final judgment stating the Plaintiff would take nothing by her action.

Labor and Employment Law

Former Prosecutor Wins $3M Retaliation Lawsuit

Tracy Miller, a decorated 25-year veteran prosecutor and Senior Assistant District Attorney for Orange County, filed an explosive lawsuit alleging constructive termination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. The conflict erupted when Miller defended junior female colleagues who reported being sexually harassed by Gary LoGalbo, a top prosecutor and close personal friend of newly elected District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Miller asserted that the office's leadership engaged in a cover-up and launched a systematic campaign to humiliate her, undermine her authority, and strip away her programs. Following a multi-week trial transferred to San Diego County to ensure impartiality, the jury returned a special verdict fully in favor of Miller. The Court found that District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Chief Assistant DA Shawn Nelson directly participated in pervasive gender-based harassment, and that the County failed to prevent the misconduct. Judge Katherine A. Bacal ordered a total recovery of $3,000,000.00 in compensatory damages, alongside $25,000.00 in punitive damages against Spitzer individually, and over $1.5 million in attorneys' fees and costs.

Personal Injury

$9M Verdict in School District Sexual Abuse Negligence Case

In a landmark decision under the California Child Victims Act, a jury held the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) and former teacher Andres Luna liable for the sexual abuse of a then-sixteen-year-old student. The Plaintiff, Jane Doe, successfully argued that the district enabled a "grooming" environment by allowing unsupervised sessions at the teacher's home. The trial spotlighted institutional failures in hiring and supervision, resulting in a $9,000,000 award for lifelong psychological trauma and emotional distress.

Sexual Harassment

Tenant Wins $300K in Sexual Harassment Suit Against Landlord

A Lawrence County, Arkansas tenant sued her landlord, who also served as the mayor of Hoxie, for repeatedly pressuring her for sex in exchange for rent and bill payments. The jury found the landlord created a hostile living environment through persistent sexual advances, unwanted physical contact, and intimidating behavior. The jury awarded $100,000 in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages after finding the landlord acted with malice or reckless indifference. The Court entered judgment on April 17, 2026.

Negligence

Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawsuit and Settlement

This litigation involved nineteen women, appearing as Jane Does, who alleged a harrowing history of systemic sexual abuse while they were minors in the custody of Los Angeles County juvenile detention facilities. The plaintiffs identified several "camps," including Camp Joseph Scott and Camp Kenyon Scudder, as the sites where Deputy Probation Officers leveraged their absolute authority to commit acts of rape, sexual assault, and harassment. The lawsuit, filed following the passage of California’s Assembly Bill 218, accused the County of "Negligent Supervision" and "Constructive Fraud," asserting that officials had ignored the predatory behavior of staff members for years. While the County initially filed a general denial and raised various legal defenses, the parties ultimately avoided a trial by reaching a full settlement in October 2025. This case highlights the ongoing legal reckoning regarding the safety and oversight of vulnerable youths within governmental correctional institutions.

Tort -General

Miami Teen Assault Lawsuit Ends in Defense Verdict

In A.R. (Minor) et al. vs. M.P. (Minor) et al., the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County examined three serious intentional tort claims—simple battery, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress—brought by A.R. through her mother, Elida Villaroel, against fellow minor M.P. The lawsuit centered on allegations stemming from a December 2022 gathering at a Coral Gables High School friend’s apartment clubhouse. The Plaintiffs alleged non-consensual touching, penetration, and emotionally damaging conduct. They sought damages exceeding $30,000 and reserved the right to pursue punitive damages. The defense denied all allegations, arguing lack of intent, insufficient proof of outrageous conduct, and asserting affirmative defenses such as unclean hands. On May 30, 2025, the jury found in favor of the Defendant on all three counts. With no liability established, the jury did not reach the damages phase, resulting in a complete defense verdict and no monetary recovery for the Plaintiffs.

Labor and Employment Law

Jury Awards $2M in Dababneh v. Doja Sexual Harassment Case

In Dababneh v. Doja, Inc. et al, the plaintiff, Tania Dababneh, filed suit against her former employers in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, alleging severe workplace misconduct. Ms. Dababneh claimed she was subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment, which culminated in her wrongful termination in violation of public policy. On November 14, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury found Doja, Inc. liable for discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination, and determined that individual defendant Ayad Jaber contributed to the hostile work environment. The jury awarded Ms. Dababneh $300,000 in past noneconomic damages and $800,000 in future noneconomic damages. Additionally, finding that Doja, Inc. acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, the jury assessed $900,000 in punitive damages against the corporation. The total judgment amounted to $2,000,000.

Negligence

LA School District Assault Case: $675K Settlement

LL John Doe MB sued the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for childhood sexual assault by an employee and negligent supervision. The Plaintiff alleged severe, lasting emotional and physical injuries. The School District denied all allegations, citing governmental immunity. The matter was resolved before trial, with the Defendant agreeing to a settlement of $675,000.