A pattern of sexually hostile language and behavior directed at the only woman in the work area followed by an unjustified, retaliatory firing produced a $1.3 million verdict, which included $1.27 million in punitive damages. Serena Eickhoff was the only woman locomotive shop foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Kansas City. She had been employed for nine years when she complained of a pattern of sexually hostile language by her supervisors and subordinates. As a result and in retaliation, she was placed on probation and then fired, the jury found.
Ms. Eickhoff was represented by Kansas City employment lawyer Dennis Egan, a very accomplished employment lawyer.