Our team at Morelli Law Firm secured a historic $95 million verdict for a sexual harassment victim who turned to us for help. Ashley Alford contacted our firm for assistance with a federal lawsuit against a former employer in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Ms. Alford received $95 million after our firm established negligence and wrongful behavior on the part of her prior employer, Aaron’s Inc. You can learn more about this verdict and how we can help with a New York sexual harassment lawyers.
Facts About the Aaron’s Inc. Sexual Harassment Claim
Aaron’s Inc. serves as a rent-to-own furniture company. Ms. Alford began working for Aaron’s Inc. in 2005 as a sales associate in Fairview Heights and quickly became a target of harassment from her store manager, Richard Moore.
Moore allegedly began a campaign of harassment against Alford. This campaign reportedly involved derogatory nicknames for her, comments about her looks, and groping. She said she also experienced harassment from other male employees from the branch. She was 20 years old at this time.
Alford reported escalating levels of harassment, culminating in Moore holding her down and masturbating on her. Throughout the process, Alford contacted the sexual harassment hotline provided by Aaron’s Inc. She never received a message in reply.
We Supported the Plaintiff with a Sexual Harassment Claim
Our team at Morelli Law Firm helped Alford file a lawsuit against Aaron’s Inc. in 2008. We strove to show that Aaron’s failed to protect Alford or stop the sexual harassment despite the information she provided through the hotline.
Companies throughout the country can hold liability for sexual harassment perpetrated by their employees if they know (or should have known) about the harassment. Businesses have a legal duty to safeguard employees, like Alford.
Because Aaron’s failed to take appropriate action to protect Alford, we helped her sue the company, resulting in a historic $95 million verdict for her as a sexual harassment victim.
Damages Awarded in the Aaron’s Sexual Harassment Claim
Ashely Alford’s verdict awarded her compensation to address 11 counts of sexual harassment, retaliation, and other offenses. The jury awarded her $95 million in damages, broken down into:
- $50 million in punitive damages for sexual harassment
- $30 million in punitive damage for negligent supervision of her manager
- $4.25 million total for emotional distress
- $3.25 million for total pain and suffering
- $3 million for the indignity and humiliation she suffered
- $2.5 million total for loss of a normal life
- $2 million for sexual harassment damages
However, in the aftermath of the trial, our team expected the court to reduce the award because of federal caps on damages.
Time to Resolve the Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Alford filed her lawsuit in 2008, and the court hearing began in May 2011. The trial reached completion in July after the jury deliberated for almost three days. Our legal team stuck with Alford throughout each step of the legal process.
You can reach out to us if you need to know what to do after experiencing sexual harassment at work or if you believe you have a claim against your employer.
Long-Term Fallout from the Aaron’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
As expected, the court system reduced the damages awarded to Alford due to caps in the federal legal system. Initially, the court reduced Alford’s compensation to $41.3 million due to this cap.
Moore also faced criminal charges. In his criminal trial, the jury acquitted him. This acquittal contributed to an out-of-court settlement on Alford’s behalf. She received around $6 million for her losses after this process.
Alford’s case against Aaron’s, Inc. remains one of the biggest sexual harassment cases.
You May Have a Sexual Harassment Claim Against Your Employer
You can reach out to our team if you believe you have a valid claim against your employer for failing to protect you from sexually inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
We can explain the three factors commonly used to determine whether conduct is considered unlawful workplace harassment, explain how to report workplace harassment, and aggressively support you throughout the legal process.
We have decades of combined experience and the confidence to take on big companies on behalf of our clients. Some firms fear the courtroom, but we live for it and are fully prepared to handle litigation on your behalf, focusing on bringing you damages to pay for your:
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Medical costs
We are standing by to discuss your next steps when you reach out for assistance.
We’re Ready to Help with Sexual Harassment Cases
Our team at Morelli Law Firm secured a historic $95 million verdict for a sexual harassment victim who trusted us to handle her claim. We stood by Alford throughout the legal case against Aaron’s, Inc. and can provide you with the personalized and compassionate care you need.
You can learn more by calling or completing our online contact form.
