A jury in Los Angeles has awarded a landmark **$103 million** in an age discrimination case against **Liberty Mutual**, marking the largest verdict of its kind in U.S. history. The case centers on **Joy Slagel**, a former employee who alleged that she faced age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation after reporting what she perceived as a corporate preference for younger workers.
The verdict was reached earlier this month, with a jury finding Liberty Mutual liable for its treatment of Slagel, who had dedicated **30 years** to the company and maintained a strong performance record throughout her tenure. The legal team from **Shegerian & Associates**, led by attorney **Justin Shegerian**, argued that Slagel was wrongfully terminated shortly after she filed internal complaints regarding ageist hiring practices.
Significant Legal Precedent Set
The trial not only sets a record for age discrimination cases but also highlights significant milestones for Shegerian, who became the youngest first-chair attorney to lead a case resulting in a verdict of **$20 million** or more. This case is notable as it represents the first multimillion-dollar age discrimination verdict achieved by a Los Angeles-based attorney less than a year after being admitted to the California Bar.
Testimony during the trial revealed that Slagel and other long-serving employees observed significant staffing changes that disproportionately affected older workers. Despite receiving commendable performance reviews, Slagel alleged that her internal complaints led to a retaliatory investigation, culminating in her termination.
“We proved that Liberty Mutual’s investigation into Joy was a façade to silence her and eliminate older, higher-paid employees,” stated Justin Shegerian. The jury sided with Slagel on all counts, underscoring the importance of holding employers accountable for discrimination.
A Long Road to Justice
The case dates back to its initial filing in **2017**, when a trial court dismissed all claims against Liberty Mutual, even imposing sanctions of over **$70,000** on Slagel. Following an appeal by Shegerian & Associates, the Appellate Court reversed this judgment in **2023**, allowing the case to proceed to trial.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Liberty Mutual had investigated Slagel based on unfounded claims of dishonesty regarding a client from the **Walt Disney Company**. The defense contended that Slagel had misled Disney, but Shegerian’s team successfully brought in a representative from Disney who confirmed Slagel’s integrity, further dismantling Liberty Mutual’s defense.
“Liberty Mutual claimed that Joy was dishonest to Disney, their client,” Shegerian explained. “We demonstrated, with Disney’s testimony, that she was never dishonest.”
Moreover, the trial included the testimonies of four additional long-term employees who had also experienced similar discrimination, corroborating Slagel’s claims. The jury awarded **$20 million** in non-economic compensatory damages alongside a staggering **$83 million** in punitive damages, contributing to the record-setting total of **$103 million**.
Reflecting on the case, Justin Shegerian expressed his gratitude for the jury’s decision. “This verdict sends a strong message that age discrimination is illegal, and juries will not tolerate it,” he said. “It’s rewarding to represent someone like Joy, who stood up for herself and others. This victory is a high point in my career, and I’m just getting started.”
As this case illustrates, age discrimination remains a critical issue in the workplace, and the outcome serves as a cautionary tale for businesses nationwide.
