Firm client prevails at trial

Stephenson & Murphy client, Denise Parker, prevailed in her Spartanburg County jury trial October 2nd.   After a week-long trial, the jury awarded her $518,006 in actual damages and $350,000 in punitive damages for a total of $868,006.  After Denise’s 38 years of service to the National Honorary Beta Club, its executive director fired her after she spoke to members of the board of directors about issues occurring at the workplace.  The board members specifically promised her that she would not be terminated for answering their questions.  The jury concluded she was, and awarded relief established during the trial to be necessary to make her whole and compensate her for lost benefits and wages she could not replace after such a long career.