$388,000 Verdict in Northern District Federal Court Racial Discrimination Case
On November 4 a Northern District (Western Division) Federal Court jury awarded Michael Mathis $388,000 against Northeast Mississippi Electric Power Association. Here are the jury's special verdict forms.
Here is the plaintiff's complaint. The plaintiff alleged that NEMEPA fired him because he is black. The jury agreed.
The jury awarded $138,000 for back pay and benefits and $250,000 for non-economic damages. In addition, the jury found that the plaintiff should be awarded punitive damages, but could not unanimously decide on an amount.
Jim Waide and Rachel Pierce of Tupelo represented the plaintiff. Lawrence Little of Oxford and Dion Shanley of St. Augustine Florida represented the defendants. Judge Allen Pepper presided in the case.
My Take:
Is it just me, or does it seem like plaintiff verdicts are getting more common in employment cases, but it's harder than ever for a plaintiff to win a personal injury case? Maybe in these tough economic times, juries are placing more value in a person's job.
The jury's verdict on punitive damages is very interesting. Does this mean that the plaintiff gets a new trial on the issue of the amount of punitive damages?
We may not get an answer to that question. The Magistrate Judge is scheduled to mediate the case on Tuesday. Anyone want to bet that the case does not settle?
If the Magistrate Judge who will mediate the case is Judge Jennie Virden, then I'll bet it settles. She's REALLY good.