Posted on February 1, 2012 by LaBovick Law

Teenagers Need to be Extra Careful on Cruise Ships

 In January, a 15-year-old girl was raped aboard the Royal Caribbean “Allure of the Seas” after leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale. She met some older boys from Brazil at a nightclub after 1:45 am. They invited her to a private party in their room and sadly she went with them. Once inside, she was trapped and raped. The ship’s personnel notified the FBI and the Broward Sheriff, who conducted a complete investigation before arresting the offenders. 

In this instance, the ship did what was legally required. While there is no action to be brought against the carrier unless they knew or should have known of the propensity of the offenders, a lesson can be learned from this horrible event. These giant ships are like microcosms of cities. Crimes can occur and do. Be careful after hours. Don’t enter deserted, dark and out-of-the-way stairwells. Do not go to the staterooms of strangers. Above all, impress upon your teenagers and children that they need to be extra careful, and never go out alone. Aloha.

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Posted on December 28, 2007 by LaBovick Law

University Settles Harrassment Suit for $225,000

Harassment suits can be difficult to prove at times. However, there are times when the evidence in a case can't be refuted or ignored. Take for instance a recent case mentioned in an article by Randy Ludlow of the Columbus Dispatch. The case involves Ohio University settling an outstanding sexual harassment suit brought by a student against a former professor for $225,000. According to a University spokesperson, Joe Brennan, the former student, who has since graduated, will receive $100,000 from the university and $125,000 from its insurer.  The student informed the University of the professor's unwelcome advances in 2003.  In 2005, the professor was suspended and later resigned during the investigation. University officials later concluded that the professor  "engaged in a pervasive pattern of questionable conduct" over several years that involved more than one student. 

Reportedly, Ohio University settled another unrelated sexual-harassment case, for $350,000 in 2005 to a student who said she was coerced into posing topless by a former director of the School of Visual Communication.

Hopefully, these cases will send a stern warning to members of the Academic Community that sexual harassment claims are taken seriously.



 

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Posted on October 4, 2007 by LaBovick Law

Sexual Harrassment Victim awarded $11.6 Million in Jury Verdict

It did not take long for the federal jury to determine damages in the sexual harassment case between a former executive of the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden, including coach Isiah Thomas. The jury came back with a  verdict of $11.6 million for Anucha Browne Sanders that covers compensatory and punitive damages from Madison Square Garden, former employer of Ms. Sanders.

Coach Isiah Thomas received a brief reprieve in the sense that the jury did not require him to pay any of the damages. The jury earlier found him guilty of sexual harassment in the earlier phase of the trial. The former employer, Madison Square Garden was ordered to pay the sexual harassment victim, y $6 million for subjecting Ms. Sanders to a hostile work environment and another $2.6 million for firing her in retaliation. Mr. James L. Dolan, Madison Square Garden Chairman and CEO of Parent Company,Cablevison. The jury ordered that Mr. Dolan pay $3 million for the retaliation. In his testimony, Mr. Dolan said that he alone made the decision to fire Ms. Sanders.

The Cablevision stock took a hit on Monday, when the verdict of the punitive damages came down. The stock is currently trading at $34.61, which is down from the $35.06 it was trading at on Monday before the punitive damages were awarded by the jury. 

However, Ms. Sanders is not guaranteed that she will receive the $10 million in compensatory  damages her legal team is asking for.  According to a Newsday article, Garden City attorney Jim Ryan, who specializes in sexual harassment litigation, "There is a pretty good chance that this kind of case gets settled." Fortunately for Ms. Sanders, U.S. District Court Judge Gerard Lynch has the final say regarding compensatory damages. Over the next few weeks, he will determine if  Ms.Sanders is entitled to more than $10 million in compensatory damages, which includes $600,000 in back pay and $9.6 million for projected pay, damaged reputation and lost benefits. Time will tell, who will win the next round. Stay tuned...

This large jury verdict in the Madison Square garden case sends an important message to companies about sexual harassment claims. A victim should not be ignored by a company or made to feel guilty about coming forward to report claims to management. Management should take the necessary steps in making an investigation and handling the victim with professionalism and dignity. If not, there could huge fines and fees awarded by a jury that could cost the company possibly millions of dollars.

Click here to read more from the New York Times or Newsday

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Posted on October 2, 2007 by LaBovick Law

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and

It has been over 15 years since we last thought about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the allegations of sexual harassment by Anita Hill.  Why is it in the media again?  Justice Thomas' new book: "My Grandfather's  Son just came out. 

One of my favorite bloggers: Eric Turkewitz, author of the New York Personal Injury Attorney Law Blog, wrote an interesting post about Justice Thomas entitled "Is Justice Thomas playing the race card again?" Great post Eric, but I must say, that I do not think that Justice Thomas is playing the race card.

I think his motivation was in getting the biggest payday. Although, I do not claim to be a follower or loyal supporter of Justice Thomas, I do believe that his motivation in writing this book was motivated by money and sharing his thoughts. It may sound naive to some, but who would not be delighted to get paid $1.5 million for sharing one's thoughts. After all these years, Justice Thomas must surely have some thoughts on the Anita Hill Confirmation hearings he went through in 1991.

After reading the blog post by Eric Turkewitz, I had to find out what others had to say about the book and Justice Thomas.  I am amazed aat how many people, seem to dislike Justice Thomas.  It is amazing that so many people sided with Anita Hill and openly discuss their disregard for the Justice. It makes me want to find out more about this person, everyone seems to love to hate.

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