Update: $240 Million Verdict Against Hill County Farms Reduced to $3.4 Million
Author: Beth P. Zoller, XpertHR Legal Editor
June 19, 2013
A $240 million jury verdict for the EEOC - the highest verdict in EEOC history - against Hill County Farms d/b/a Henry's Turkey Service, for severe discrimination and harassment against intellectually disabled plant workers in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has been reduced to $3.4 million. Despite the reduction in the award, this case underscores the significant fines an employer may be liable for if it fails to maintain a discrimination and harassment-free workplace and promptly respond to worker complaints.
As part of the $3.4 million judgment, the now defunct employer must pay $1.4 million in back pay, $1.6 million in damages, over $420,000 in interest and $10,000 in costs.
Additional Resources
$240 Million EEOC Verdict Will Likely Be Reduced to $1.6 Million
Employee Management > EEO - Discrimination
Employee Management > Disabilities (ADA)
How to Prevent Discrimination in the Workplace
How to Prevent Disability Discrimination Claims
Bullying and Harassment - Supervisor Briefing