Richardson v. Tricom Pictures & Productions, Inc.

In June 2001, Marinell Richardson (plaintiff) was terminated from Tricom Pictures & Productions Inc. (Tricom) (defendant). Richardson sued Tricom in federal district court for violating multiple state and federal laws by creating a hostile work environment and not compensating employees appropriately. Richard also claimed that she had been wrongfully discharged in retaliation for making complaints. While the trial was pending, Richard found substantially equivalent employment with WLRN, Inc. Richardson’s position entitled her to an annual salary of $32,000, which was $2,000 higher than her salary at Tricom. However, Richardson was terminated from WLRN after only three months for failing to cooperate with and respect other employees. Richardson then found substantially equivalent employment with Barton G. Thus (Barton). Richardson’s position at Barton entitled her to a $32,000 salary. However, Richardson was terminated from Barton for unknown reasons. In 2003, Richardson’s complaint against Tricom was tried. The jury found for Tricom on the majority of Richardson’s claims. However, the jury did find that Tricom had wrongfully discharged Richardson in retaliation for her complaints. The jury also determined that Richardson was entitled to backpay under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The jury advised a payment of $20,000. Richardson moved to increase the recommended amount. Tricom moved to reduce the recommended amount. The court considered the motions.