Author Archives: Steve Kardell
Tips for Preventing Harassment Claims in the Restaurant Industry
Many high-profile figures have been accused of sexual harassment within the last year and essentially seen their careers come to an end as a result. In this environment, it is important for business owners in all industries, including the restaurant industry, to have frank discussions about the state of their harassment policies and, if they […]
Panama City Beach Faces Whistleblower Lawsuit
A former employee for the Panama City Beach building department filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, alleging she was forced to endure a hostile work environment after reporting instances of discrimination against her due to her age, gender and disability. The plaintiff is Heidi Murray, who officially filed the lawsuit on January 4 in […]
K-Mart to Settle Drug Overcharge Whistleblower Case for $32 Million
K-Mart Corp. agreed to pay $32.3 million to the federal government to settle lawsuit in which it was alleged that K-Mart’s pharmacies overcharged federal healthcare programs. The Department of Justice announced the settlement agreement, which was part of a larger $59 million settlement that included resolution of insurance and Medicaid claims against the retail corporation. […]
Another Columbia Professor Resigns in Wake of Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The string of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations has not been limited to the entertainment and media industries. Columbia University has now lost two professors to accusations of sexual misconduct and harassment, and is one of many universities across the nation that have undergone intense investigations into harassment by school officials and faculty. Thomas Roma, who […]
What Is It About Sexual Harassment Allegations that Ends Careers?
The #metoo movement that sprang to the forefront of the news cycle in the latter half of 2017 helped empower victims of sexual harassment to share their stories and seek justice and vindication. It also toppled the careers of many powerful and influential people in entertainment and media. Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Garrison […]
Accusations of Age Discrimination Against Verizon Arise in Relation to Facebook Job Ads
Verizon recently came under criticism with accusations of age discrimination in its Facebook marketing of job openings at the company. The advertisements used on Facebook intended to recruit applicants for financial planning and analysis positions. In the ad, a millennial aged woman sat at a computer, and copy promised applicants that the new hire would […]
Ninth Circuit Court Dismisses Challenge to Consumer Arbitration in AT&T Case
In the case of Roberts v. AT&T Mobility, the Ninth Circuit court made a quick dismissal of a First Amendment challenge to consumer arbitration, finding there was no state action in this circumstance. The plaintiffs in the case filed a class action lawsuit stating AT&T was guilty of falsely advertising its phone service as “unlimited,” […]
Whistleblowers Who File Late May Not Receive Awards
A pair of recent victories by defendants in False Claims Act lawsuits demonstrates the importance of speaking up quickly for whistleblowers who wish to share in fraud enforcement action recoveries. Two companies, PharMerica and Biotronik, both came out victorious in FCA lawsuits filed by whistleblowers that contained somewhat overlapping allegations with previously filed FCA lawsuits. […]
Tips for Creating a Company Culture that Discourages Sexual Harassment
The last year has seen countless powerful media and entertainment figures fall out of the limelight because of sexual harassment allegations. The #metoo conversation has made it necessary for employers to consider what they are doing internally to instill a company culture that discourages sexual harassment. Below are some of the ways organizations can create […]
Banning NDAs in Sexual Harassment Cases Could Harm Women
Throughout 2017, we saw victims of sexual harassment become more empowered than ever before to come forward and tell their stories. But while many Americans begin to speak out and share their experiences, many more are legally prevented from doing so. In most of these cases, the victims (who are, by and large, women) agree […]
