FEATURED VERDICT: Beverage Company-Employer Loses Case, Absorbs $822,400 Verdict

Case No. BC624909 – Jimmy Saxton v. Hip Hop Beverages Corp. et al.

A California jury awarded a $822,400 verdict against defendant Hip Hop Beverages Corp. for Employment Discrimination, Harassment, Wrongful Termination and Wage and Hour Violations.

Plaintiff Jimmy Saxton worked for Defendant Hip Hop Beverages Corp. and owner Herbert Hudson by as a salesperson delivering Pit Bull energy drinks and other items. Plaintiff’s employment began in March 2012 and ended in December 2015 upon Plaintiff’s termination. Plaintiff, who is African American, contended that he was subject to racial harassment, including being called racial names by his Korean supervisor as well as other employees. Plaintiff further contended that when he complained of such harassment he was fired in retaliation. Plaintiff also contended that he was owed unpaid wages upon his termination and that his employer failed to reimburse his mileage and other work expenses. Plaintiff thereby initiated the underlying lawsuit against Defendant in which Plaintiff claimed unpaid wages, lost wages from his termination, emotional distress and punitive damages.

The Defendant denied all allegations.

Plaintiff and Defendant engaged in settlement discussions in which Plaintiff offered $350,000 to settle this matter, and Defendant offered $13,000. The parties were unable to settle this dispute and the case proceeded to trial.

After an eleven-day trial, the issue was left to a jury. After four hours of deliberation, the jury concluded by an entry of judgement in favor of Plaintiff. The jury thereby awarded a verdict of $822,400, based on $31,200 in unpaid wages, $31,200 in lost wages from firing, $10,000 in emotional distress, and $750,000 in punitive damages.