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CASE HISTORY - Sexual Harassment
Sherry, a single mother of two children, was a temporary office worker for the county. From December
1996 through March 1997, her supervisor repeatedly made improper statements and contact including
putting his arm around her waist, pulling her to his side and patting her buttocks.
After complaints to her supervisor's superiors failed to produce any results, Sherry filed a lawsuit. While
being in line for permanent employment, Sherry was, nevertheless, terminated.
The US Justice Department originally filed suit on behalf of Sherry and settled its claims. The county
made a $45,000 settlement offer which her attorney advised her to reject. Sherrymade a counter offer of
$100,000 that was immediately rejected.
Six months later (July 2000) she was unemployed, suffered from
depression and was unable to support her family. She was broke
and up against deep pockets. Sherry's attorney, a sole
practitioner, called CapTran to see if we could help.
While certainly no "slam dunk", CapTran
nevertheless found merit in the case and invested $7,000,
allowing her to stay the course. In January 2001, the county,
realizing she was not going to fold, settled the case for
$80,000. CapTran earned a $6,750 fee.
Our investment allowed Sherry to get a settlement $35,000 higher than her circumstances might have
forced her to accept.
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