Jury Finds Against Verizon Wireless In Wrongful Termination Suit

by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.

Patrick Campbell, a 65 year old black male, sued Cellco Partnerships d/b/a Verizon Wireless for an alleged wrongful termination.  Campbell worked as a district manager and had been employed by defendant for 9 years, when he was transferred to an underperforming district.  The district continued to underperform under Campbell's management.  Plaintiff alleged that this was due to a discriminatory removal of the district's highest performing stores. 

Subsequently, Campbell filed two in house complaints of discrimination.  Defendant's investigation concluded that Campbell's complaints lacked a good faith basis for discrimination.  Thereafter, Campbell was transferred to another district and eventually fired.

Plaintiff sued defendant for 1.9 million for past and future lost earnings and emotional distress.  Defendant claimed that plaintiff's transfers and termination were for cause, based on poor performance and numerous complaints filed against Campbell.

The jury found that plaintiff's termination was wrongful and retaliatory in nature.  Plaintiff was awarded a total of $1,054,000.00 by the jury which was reduced by the judge to $979,000.00.