UPDATE: A Los Angeles jury has just awarded a staggering $103 million in a landmark age discrimination case against Liberty Mutual. This verdict, the largest of its kind in U.S. history, marks a significant victory for former employee Joy Slagel, who fought against the insurance giant’s alleged discriminatory practices.
In a trial that concluded earlier this month, a jury found Liberty Mutual liable for committing age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against Slagel, who served the company for 30 years. The verdict sends a clear and urgent message to corporations nationwide: age discrimination will not be tolerated.
Slagel, who started her career at Liberty Mutual in 1985, reported a concerning trend favoring younger employees, particularly after noticing changes in workplace dynamics around 2012. Despite her impeccable performance record, she was terminated shortly after raising her concerns internally.
The legal team from Shegerian & Associates, led by Justin Shegerian, the youngest first chair in history to secure a $20 million or more age discrimination verdict, argued that the investigation leading to Slagel’s firing was a fabricated excuse to remove older, higher-paid workers.
“Liberty Mutual’s actions reflect a harmful corporate culture,” stated Shegerian. “This verdict is a resounding message that juries will hold employers accountable for age discrimination.”
The jury’s decision included $20 million in non-economic compensatory damages and an astounding $83 million in punitive damages. This case serves as a cautionary tale for businesses across the U.S., emphasizing the need for fair employment practices.
The road to this victory has been fraught with challenges. The initial lawsuit was filed in 2017, but a trial court dismissed all claims, imposing over $70,000 in sanctions against Slagel. However, following an appeal, the Appellate Court reversed the lower court’s decision in 2023, allowing the case to move forward.
The trial revealed that Slagel faced retaliatory actions after her complaints about ageist hiring practices. Testimony from other long-term employees who also experienced similar discrimination significantly bolstered her case. The jury heard evidence that Liberty Mutual had an explicit strategy to replace older employees with younger ones, further validating Slagel’s claims.
“This victory is not just for Joy, but for all employees who face discrimination,” Shegerian added. “It’s a powerful reminder that age discrimination is illegal and harmful.”
As the dust settles on this historic verdict, the implications for Liberty Mutual and similar companies are significant. This case underscores the urgent need for businesses to address age-related biases in the workplace or face severe legal repercussions.
Moving forward, stakeholders in the insurance industry and beyond will be watching closely. Companies are urged to review their employment practices to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, as any failure could lead to similar legal challenges and financial consequences.
With this monumental verdict, Joy Slagel’s courage has not only secured her a historic win but also paved the way for broader changes in workplace rights across the nation. This case is a pivotal moment in the fight against age discrimination, resonating deeply with employees everywhere who seek justice and fairness in the workplace.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
