Los Angeles Times Hit With Age Discrimination Verdict

You should never have to worry about discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination happens all the time. At the Azadian Law Group, PC, we are here to help if you need a Los Angeles employment lawyer. In many cases, this type of behavior is not obvious, and we know that it happens in many different ways. Today, we want to talk about a recent verdict against the LA Times for age discrimination.

What happened in this case?

Former Los Angeles Times sports columnist T.J. Simers filed a lawsuit against the paper in 2013, alleging they discriminated against him due to his age. Simers was 62-years-old at the time the lawsuit began.

Now, a jury has handed down a verdict in the case – the LA times owes Simers $15.5 million.

A jury found made this award based on a few factors:

• They say $450,000 of this was due to Simers having his columns reduced from three times a week to two.
• $7.5 million was due to him being demoted from sports columnist to a senior reporter.
• $7.5 million was awarded as additional non-economic damages for mental and emotional suffering.

The LA Times will likely appeal the decisions. A spokesperson said, “We believe that the award is unreasonable.”

Throughout this case, Simers’ attorney has argued that Simers was “constructively terminated.” This is a legal term used to describe actions an employer makes to alter the conditions of employment such that the employee is forced to quit.

Age discrimination in the workplace shows up in many ways. In many cases, it happens just like it did in the Simers case. The employer, looking to get in younger employees (that they may be able to pay less), find a way to get the older worker to quit.

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says that age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age. It is illegal, and both federal and state agencies enforce these discrimination laws.

• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) makes discrimination against people who are 40 or older in the workplace illegal.
• Workers in California are also protected under the California Fair Housing and Employment Act (FEHA).

We are glad that Mr. Simers took a stand against unfair treatment in the workplace and wish him luck in retirement.

Let us help you through this

Workplace discrimination cannot be tolerated. If you have experienced discrimination on the job, please seek legal assistance immediately. At the Azadian Law Group, PC, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to get to work on your case. We understand all aspects of employment law and are ready to help secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:

• Recovery of lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Court costs and legal fees
• Pain and suffering damages
• Reinstatement to your job if you were terminated
• Possible punitive damages against your employer

When you need a Los Angeles workplace discrimination attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 213-229-9031.