UPDATE: A Los Angeles jury has just awarded a staggering $103 million in a landmark age discrimination case against Liberty Mutual, marking the largest verdict of its kind in U.S. history. The jury found that the insurance giant harbored a culture of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against former employee Joy Slagel, who had dedicated over 30 years to the company.
This historic ruling is being hailed as a pivotal moment for employees facing discrimination, as it sends a powerful message to corporations nationwide. The jury’s decision came after Slagel, a longtime employee with a stellar performance record, reported patterns of age bias within the company that favored younger workers.
Earlier this month, the jury found Liberty Mutual liable for terminating Slagel shortly after she filed internal complaints about ageist hiring practices. Testimony revealed that significant staffing changes disproportionately affected older employees, and Slagel’s complaints were met with retaliation, culminating in her dismissal.
In a courtroom led by Justin Shegerian of Shegerian & Associates, the legal team argued that Liberty Mutual’s investigation into Slagel was merely a facade to silence her and eliminate older, higher-paid employees. The jury sided with Slagel on all three claims presented, awarding her $20 million in non-economic damages and $83 million in punitive damages.
“This verdict is a resounding message to corporations nationwide,” Shegerian stated. “Age discrimination is illegal, it is harmful, and juries will hold employers accountable. This victory is meaningful not just because of its size but also due to the long, difficult road it took to get here.”
The case has roots dating back to 2017 when Slagel first filed her claims. An initial dismissal led to sanctions against her, but after an appeal, the Appellate Court revived the case in 2023, allowing it to proceed to trial. Slagel’s journey highlights the struggles many employees face when standing up against discrimination.
During the trial, the Shegerian & Associates team dismantled Liberty Mutual’s narrative, presenting evidence that contradicted claims of dishonesty made against Slagel. They called witnesses from the Walt Disney company to affirm Slagel’s integrity, proving her innocence in the alleged misconduct that led to her firing.
The jury heard how Slagel and other long-term employees observed a clear shift in workplace dynamics that favored younger hires, corroborated by internal documents from the company outlining strategies to replace older workers. This compelling testimony played a crucial role in the jury’s decision.
In a statement following the verdict, Shegerian expressed gratitude for the jury’s recognition of age discrimination: “I’m also grateful for the opportunity to represent clients like Joy, who stood up for herself and others. This is definitely the high point of my career so far.”
As this case sets new precedents in employment law, businesses are urged to reevaluate their policies and practices regarding age discrimination. The implications of this verdict extend beyond Liberty Mutual, serving as a cautionary tale for companies nationwide to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces.
The legal battle may have concluded, but the effects of this landmark case will resonate in the corporate world for years to come. As the dust settles, employees everywhere are hopeful that this ruling will inspire change and accountability within their own organizations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
