This year, California gave many survivors of childhood sexual assault the opportunity to seek justice. As of January 1, 2020, survivors of abuse have a three-year window to file civil claims that could not be filed under previous laws. The new laws do not impact the criminal process or deadlines.
California Extends Childhood Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations Effective January 1, 2020
This year, California gave many survivors of childhood sexual assault the opportunity to seek justice. As of January 1, 2020, survivors of abuse have a three-year window to file civil claims that could not be filed under previous laws. The new laws do not impact the criminal process or deadlines.
Uber sexual harassment charges result in $4.4 million payout
Ride-sharing giant Uber is paying for a company culture that repeatedly tolerated sexual harassment. A verdict earlier this month resolves charges brought against the company in 2017 that forces Uber to pay victims from a $4.4 million fund.
Allred, Maroko & Goldberg obtains close to $65 million in two verdicts against billionaire entrepreneur
In one of the largest verdicts ever for an employment sexual harassment case, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg won a $58.25 million verdict on behalf of Mahim Khan- $50 million in punitive damages and $8.25 million in compensatory damages after she suffered battery, sexual battery and sexual harassment from her former employer, billionaire entrepreneur Alki David. This was one of the highest awards ever seen in an employment sexual harassment case in the United States.
Allred, Maroko & Goldberg obtains close to $65 million in two verdicts against billionaire entrepreneur, Alkiviades "Alki" David, for sexual misconduct against his former employees
In one of the largest verdicts ever for an employment sexual harassment case, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg won a $58.25 million verdict on behalf of Mahim Khan- $50 million in punitive damages and $8.25 million in compensatory damages after she suffered battery, sexual battery and sexual harassment from her former employer, billionaire entrepreneur Alki David. This was one of the highest awards ever seen in an employment sexual harassment case in the United States.
Khan is one of several women who worked at Alki David's media companies who has filed sexual harassment and battery suits against him.
What do California's new labor laws mean for employees?
Under Governor Newsom, California's latest legislative session ended with the creation of several important new employment laws. These give workers more choices and stronger workplace protections.
Sites such as the San Francisco Business Times and The National Law Review have explored the ways these laws may affect California's businesses. Below, we look at the different ways they may empower employees in the workplace.
The City of Beverly Hills faces age discrimination suit
At age 66, Cynthia Brynan had worked for the City of Beverly Hills for decades. Serving as a Senior Recreation Supervisor, Ms. Brynan alleges that she first faced age discrimination once she entered her 60s. Her complaint points to being passed over for promotions, stripped of meaningful work, given menial tasks, and being eventually forced to quit.
The City filed a motion to dismiss portions of Ms. Brynan’s lawsuit, but the Los Angeles Superior Court denied its motion. Ms. Brynan, with Allred, Maroko & Goldberg’s Gloria Allred serving as her co-counsel, will therefore continue her lawsuit with all claims intact.
Assault victims have every right to keep their trauma and their settlements private
As seen in the Los Angeles Times
The #MeToo movement has elevated the voices of sexual assault victims, making it more likely that victims will come forward. But movement supporters are wrong to attack confidential settlement agreements that can help vulnerable victims get a measure of justice.
This issue has arisen in the new book "She Said," by the reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein sex abuse scandal. They have said that they talked to victims, some of whom chose to violate their confidential settlement agreements. The reporters have criticized victims' rights lawyers (like me) for assisting clients to settle their legal claims against sexual predators by entering into such agreements.
Jeffrey Epstein is not the only one who could face charges
Jeffrey Epstein’s name has prominently featured across headlines for the past few months in connection with allegations that he sexual abused under-age girls. Some of those alleged victims are represented by Allred, Maroko & Goldberg.
First, the multi-millionaire pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Next, news outlets reported his sudden death while in prison. A medical examiner recently concluded that the former financier died from suicide by hanging, but the case is not over yet.
Overlooked industries where sexual harassment runs rampant
We regularly hear news stories of employees suffering sexual harassment in the entertainment, financial and tech industries. And these industries do have a lot of work to do to fix these frequent injustices.
However, studies show that women in some less glamorous industries suffer workplace harassment in even greater numbers. Employees in the food and retail industries suffer the highest rates of sexual harassment, but their stories go largely unreported and unheard.
