Recent Verdicts, Settlements, and Decisions

November 13, 2007 Volume: 153 Issue: 223

By Stephanie Potter
Law Bulletin staff writer

A Marshall Field's employee fired for drawing violent cartoons of a co-worker, which he says were done in jest, will get another shot at proving that the department store breached its employment contract with him, the 1st District Appellate Court held Tuesday.

 Publication: Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter Published: 1/26/2007

(YY 15/4)  CIVIL RIGHTS--EEOC WINS CASE FOR SEXUALLY HARASSED SALESWOMEN (14)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Catherine Copello, Allison Kennedy v Custom Companies Inc., Custom Distributor Network Inc. 02C-3768 consol. w/03C-2293 Tried Nov. 6-16, 2006

Verdict: $2,355,000 v both defts: $100,000 compensatory, $1,000,000 punitive to Catherine Copello on Sexual Harassment claim; $60,000 compensatory, $300,000 punitive to Catherine Copello on Retaliation claim; $50,000 compensatory, $500,000 punitive to Allison Kennedy on Sexual Harassment claim; $35,000 compensatory, $150,000 punitive to Allison Kennedy on Retaliation claim; $60,000 compensatory (attorneys' fees), $100,000 punitive to Kimberly Fritkin on Retaliation claim.

Judge: Harry D. Leinenweber (USDC IL NE)

 Publication: Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter

(YY 5/6)  CIVIL RIGHTS--FARMER ARRESTED FOR BLOCKING STATE INSPECTION OF ANIMALS (14)

Joseph W. Sbarboro v Officer Guy Fiache 04C-2888 Tried Sep. 12-15, 2005

Verdict: $25,000 on excessive force claim (plus attorneys' fees and costs); Not Guilty on false arrest claim.

Judge: Magis. Morton Denlow (USDC IL NE)

Publication: Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter Published: 2/9/2007

(YY 17/5) BUSINESS--FORMER SALES MANAGER VIOLATED ILLINOIS TRADE SECRETS ACT (16E)

Screen Works Ltd. v Franklin Moore, Moore & Moore Sales LLC 00CH-16778 Tried Jun. 7-16, 2006

Verdict: $391,158 v both defts

Judge: Dennis J. Burke (IL Cook-Law)