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Hung jury in Jefferson County over racial discrimination case

The trial of a former employee of American Valve and Hydrant Manufacturing who was seeking punitive damages for racial discrimination and retaliation ended in mistrial on April 6, the Southeast Texas Record reported.

African-American Dennis Dumes said his former employer, American Cast Iron Pipe and American Valve, failed to promote him over the course of 27 years despite positive performance reviews–promoting Caucasian workers instead.

The jury decided that race was not a motivating factor as to why American Valve decided not to promote Dunes after August 25, 2009; however, the jury was not able to confidently determine whether Dunes was not promoted after that time due to retaliation over filing a complaint with the EEOC and the eventual lawsuit. Due to the hung jury, the trial was declared a mistrial.

If you have been the victim of retaliation, discrimination, or wrongful termination at your place of work in Austin or other areas in Texas, seek legal assistance from our attorneys at The Melton Law Firm by calling our offices today at (512) 330-0017.


Transgender man settles case against AT&T for undisclosed amount

Transgender man Matthew Hileman and his former employer, multinational telecommunications corporation AT&T, Inc., and the city of San Antonio, Texas have settled the lawsuit Hileman lodged against the latter two for an undisclosed amount 15 months after he first filed the case.

According to Hileman’s complaint, back in 2014, he asked to be reassigned to another office because he could no longer endure the insults and jests hurled his way by his co-workers regarding his sexuality and was fired the week after.

Hileman then filed the first claim of transgender discrimination under San Antonio’s new non-discrimination ordinance that took effect in September 2013.

After mediation between Hileman and AT&T in September 2014 did not reach any legal consensus, AT&T denied any liability in the case and told the city attorney’s office that it had cleared two of the employees that Hileman accused of discrimination of any wrongdoing.

If you have experienced wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, or a hostile work environment, the attorneys at The Melton Law Firm may help you hold the responsible parties fully accountable. Call our offices at (512) 330-0017 today to begin taking action.

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