Plaintiff Tracy White filed a sexual harassment claim against the State of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Human Services (defendants). A jury found in favor of plaintiff and awarded her $260,000 for past emotional distress and $530,000 for future emotional distress. The defendants’ motion for new trial or remittitur and motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict were denied. The defendants appeal arguing: (1) the district court erred in admitting prejudicial evidence of harassment unrelated to plaintiff that confused and inflamed the jury; (2) the district court erred in not directing a verdict for defendants because plaintiff failed to prove sufficiently severe and pervasive misconduct; and (3) the future emotional distress damages award is excessive and unsupported by the evidence.

County:

Polk

Trial Court Case No.:

LACL146265