Harassment Lawsuit against Ex-Judge Results in $3.2 Million Award
In Tennessee and all across the country when we go to work, we expect to be treated with respect by our supervisors and co-workers. However, in some situations the co-worker or supervisor may be in a position of power which may make reporting harassment more difficult. If you or someone you know feels that you have faced harassment while on the job, then you should speak with a Tennessee employment harassment lawyer right away. They will hear your case and make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to by law.
In this lawsuit, Mikki Kalina, Becky Sirmans, and Christy Strawn claimed that James Blackstock, a former court at law judge and former head of the court’s Juvenile Probation Board , hugged, groped, kissed, and fondled them and had sent them sexually based pictures by e-mail. Also, according to the lawsuit, Blackstock had “for many years preyed upon women in a sexually inappropriate manner” while the local officials did nothing despite knowing about his behavior.
The jury awarded Mikki Kalina and Becky Sirmans $50,000 in actual damages and Christy Strawn received $100,000 in actual damages. They also received $1 million each in punitive damages. Blackstock resigned from his board position in 2008 after a Class A criminal misdemeanor charge of official oppression and four Class C counts of assault by offensive and provocative physical contact involving several women to which he plead no contest. He was given a fine of $2,150.
Unfortunately cases just like this one happen all across the country and even to the residents in Tennessee. If you or someone you love feels like you have been faced with harassment while at work, then we strongly recommend that you contact one of our experienced and compassionate Tennessee employment attorneys immediately. We will work with you and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
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.
