Civil SuitConstitutional RightsDiscriminationMunicipal LiabilitySexual HarassmentWrongful termination
Ohio Firefighter Accepts Settlement in $1.7 Million Harassment Case
An Orange Township, Ohio firefighter who was awarded more than $1.7 million by a jury earlier this year for sexual harassment and discrimination, has agreed to settle her suit for $875,000.
Raechel Sterud, 32, accused the Orange Township Fire Department and her officer, Lieutenant Keith Myers, with harassment and discrimination that resulted in her termination in January, 2008. A jury found in her favor awarding the $1.7 million in damages and ordering Lt. Meyers to pay $75,000 it personally.
The announced settlement will end the case, including Lt. Meyer’s portion. Sterud (now Raechel Peters) will also get her job back.
I'm confused- if it went all the way to a verdict, and an award was made by the jury, how can there be a settlement?
BH
In theory you have a point. The reality is there are appeals, attorneys fees and costs to consider… delays waiting for the appeals to be heard… etc. So while she could have forced the city to file the appeal – she agreed to accept a lesser amount and get her job back…