There are two types of employment cases: those teaching empowerment of employers and those illuminating disaster. Two months ago, we talked disaster. [See "Lessons to Avoid Disaster," In-House Texas, Sept. 2, 2013, page 3.] This month we talk empowerment.
First up is the mandatory imposition of costs upon a losing plaintiff. Check out Jones v. Halliburton (2011). The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston sets out the facts: A jury found against the plaintiff on her claim of sexual harassment. The judge entered judgment for the employer and tagged the plaintiff with costs. The amount? An astonishing $145,073.19.
