Benezra & Culver, P.C.>Employment Law > Representative Cases > Firm client wins $1.2 million dollar judgment in retaliation case for pioneering woman firefighter

In January of 2019, this firm went to trial on behalf of its client, Colley Fisher, against her former employer, the Denver Fire Department (“DFD”). Ms. Fisher worked for DFD for more than 25 years. She was one of the very first women firefighters in the Department, was the first female Engineer, and was the second highest ranked woman in the Department at the time of her firing.

At trial, Ms. Fisher introduced evidence that her supervisors had discriminated against her because of her gender and that DFD fired her from her job in retaliation for an internal complaint of sex discrimination that she lodged against her managers. After a seven-day trial, the jury found for Ms. Fisher on her retaliation claim and awarded her damages for emotional distress. Under federal law, the Judge was responsible for awarding any other damages.

After the parties reached an agreement regarding Ms. Fisher’s back and front pay, as well as pre-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees, the Court entered an amended Final Judgment for Colley Fisher in the amount of $1,206,000.00.