$1.95 million punitive-damage award affirmed; California Supreme Court denies review

Albarracin v. Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (Cal. Ct. App., Aug. 13, 2020, No. B292895), review denied (Nov. 24, 2020)
Plaintiff was sexually assaulted by a superior while attending a company retreat. Her employer was held liable for, inter alia, intentional infliction of emotional distress and retaliation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. The jury awarded her $250,000 for past emotional distress and $1,950,000 in punitive damages. On appeal, the defendant challenged the punitive-damage award as unsupported by sufficient evidence and excessive. The Court of Appeal affirmed the award and the California Supreme Court denied review.