Most Municipal Verdict: Federal Jury Awards ex-Philly Cops $1M in Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment Suit
Patrol Officer Jennifer Allen and Cpl. Audra McCowan were each awarded $500,000 by a federal jury after the two former cops sued the city of Philadelphia for discrimination and sexual harassment, according to an article from ABC 6. The lawsuit was said to have been the impetus for Commissioner Richard Ross, who had a romantic relationship with McCowan at one time, to resign from his post. Testimony from a psychiatrist indicated both women were diagnosed with debilitating post-traumatic stress syndrome from their 15 years spent in the Philadelphia Police Department.
Most Symbolic Verdict: American Airlines Wins $1 in 'Landmark' Verdict
American Airlines Group won $1 in damages in its case against booking service Sabre Corp after a federal jury ruled in its favor, according to an article from Reuters. American Airlines had accused the service of “charging excessive fees and suppressing competition,” according to the article. The popular airline had initially won $15.3 million from Sabre in 2016, but that award was overturned upon appeal.
Most Appealed Verdict: FedEx Still on the Hook for $165M After NM Supreme Court Affirms Court of Appeals Verdict
New Mexico’s Supreme Court upheld a $165 million verdict against transport company FedEx after a highway crash killed a woman and her daughter and severely injured a toddler, according to an article from the Los Alamos Reporter. Justice Julie J. Vargas penned the unanimous opinion, and as a result of the verdict the Court declined a new trial. FedEx argued, unsuccessfully, the compensatory damages award, which is the biggest in state history for a case of this nature, is excessive.
Most Bellwether Verdict: No Sign of Settlement in Sight As 3M Loses Last Bellwether Trial
Army veteran James Beal won $5 million in compensatory damages from earplug manufacturer 3M while the company itself will be expected to pay $72.5 million in punitive damages, according to an article from the Star Tribune. The sum, which is the largest awarded so far with respect to 3M’s combat earplugs, came as part of the last scheduled “bellwether” trial in the matter. With no settlement talks pending, more cases are expected to come in waves of 500 claimants per trial as there are more than 250,000 claims pending against the manufacturer. Additionally, 3M is planning an appeal.
Most International Verdict: Russian Soldier Pleads Guilty After Killing Unarmed Civilian
Russian soldier Sgt. Vadim Shyshimarin pleaded guilty to “violating the laws and customs of war” after killing an unarmed Ukrainian civilian in the early stages of Russia’s invasion of the country, according to an article from NBC News. Shyshimarin said he committed the act under pressure from his commanding officers and asked for forgiveness for the act. The trial is expected to be one of many of its kind in an effort to hold captured Russian soldiers accountable for alleged war crimes.