A federal jury has awarded $10.6 million to a former DJ in Detroit who alleged Infinity
Broadcasting discriminated against her after she complained that a co-worker's
perfume was making her sick, the Detroit Free Press reports.
The jury's award includes $7 million in punitive damages, $2 million in mental
anguish and emotional distress, and $1.6 million for past and future compensation
for former country music DJ Erin Weber, who accused Infinity Broadcasting
of disability discrimination and retaliation.
Weber alleged a co-worker's perfume caused breathing problems and damaged her
vocal chords. She said she developed the sensitivity after she worked in a broadcast
booth where a guest from a previous show had spilled acetone on the carpet,
according to the newspaper.
The company said it tried to accommodate Weber by requiring the co-worker to
stop wearing perfume and modifying work schedules, the Free Press reports.
Weber said the station fired her in retaliation of her complaint with the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
The company said it terminated Weber because she failed to come to work for
a scheduled shift, the newspaper reports.
An attorney for Infinity Broadcasting tells the newspaper that the company
is considering an appeal.
Link