Hudson v. Beverly Fabrics, Inc.
Mar 08, 2018OUTCOME: $2,600,000.00 Jury Verdict
Cole Hudson, a heterosexual man, was subjected to sexual harassment, roughhousing, and bullying by a heterosexual male co-worker for years. Management knew of at least some of the harassing conduct, b ... ut dismissed it as boys being boys, no big deal. The harassment and roughhousing escalated over the years. Ultimately there was an incident where the co-worker rubbed his genitals against Mr. Hudson's arm, then backed away and did it again. Mr. Hudson complained to upper management (CFO and VP of Operations) about this, and they decided to lay off the harasser in order to avoid conducting an investigation pursuant to its policies. Immediately thereafter, Mr. Hudson's schedule was changed so that he would have to spend at least 2 nights, sometimes 3 to 4 nights, per week on the road. Previously he had to spend only one night a week on the road. About two months after complaining about the genital rubbing incident, the VP of Operations tells Mr. Hudson they were glad this didn't happen to a woman. Mr. Hudson was forced to resign shortly thereafter, because he could not continue to tolerate the harassment, discrimination and retaliation. He began seeing a psychiatrist before his resignation, and was ultimately diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depression and an Adjustment Disorder. His psychiatrist determined he has been disabled and unable to work since the day after his resignation. Forensic psychological evaluation established the PTSD, Depression and Adjustment Disorder were the result of the events at work.
