8.1 million Awarded to former employee harassed for having cancer
Illness is a difficult thing to face, especially if it involves chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and large amounts of pain. The illness and suffering that comes with cancer is difficult enough without having your employer harass you about how many days you are taking off work, or even fire you because of the cancer. Unfortunately even though it is against several laws to do so, this kind of treatment happens to many people across the country and even right here to many Tennessee residents. If you have been treated unfairly or harassed due to an illness, you should contact a Tennessee employment lawyer right away about your case. They will help to make sure you get the treatment you deserve.
Kara Jorud, who worked at Michael’s Arts and Crafts store in Boca Raton returned to work after a double mastectomy and chemotherapy in August of 2008, only to face harsh questions and harassment from her boss Skip Sand, such as asking her “How often do you have to do this?” and “You will be here Monday after chemo,” as well calling her daily to find out when she planned to return to work. This harassment continued and led to her ultimately being fired.
A jury found on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, that this violated several federal employment laws and ordered Sands and the Texas-based arts and crafts store to pay $8.1 million to Jorud for pain and suffering and for discriminating against an employee who has cancer. Her attorneys, Brian McPherson and Joseph Curley, say she is also entitled to $1 million in lost wages for in the past and future. Finally, because the jury found that the company acted with “malice and reckless indifference” the judge could increase the lost wages amount she may be entitled to.
Jorud said,” My whole goal in this thing is to make sure no one has to go through this. This just shouldn’t happen in this day and age. Cancer is hard enough without the extras. With the extras, it’s just impossible.”
Unfortunately, cases like these continue to happen each and every day, including right here in Tennessee. If you have faced harassment or have been fired because of illness or disability, you should talk to a one of our experienced and caring Tennessee employment attorneys immediately. We will hear your case and work with you to make sure you get the compensation and treatment you are entitled to. Please contact us via email or call 1-800-705-2121 you should not fight this battle alone.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
