Ex-Client Wins $7.3M Emotional Distress Award Against Law Firm
Updated: A former client who claims that his law firm worked against his interests in a battle with his brother for control of the now-shuttered Northern Mattress and Furniture Co. was awarded $7.3 million by a Maine jury on Friday for emotional distress.
Peter Redman claimed that he was kept from entering the family business’ headquarters because of a sexual harassment claim that he alleged was orchestrated by his brother so the brother could take control of the business, the Portland Press Herald reports.
A subsequent Portland Press Herald article by columnist Bill Nemitz provides additional details about the case.
Bernstein Shur Sawyer & Nelson says it will appeal the Cumberland County jury verdict in favor of Redman.
“Our lawyers’ actions did not cause [Redman] to be banned from his company or cause his distress, and, we believe, the evidence does not support the judgment awarded him,” Bernstein Shur later said in a statement (PDF).
The Nathan and Henry B. Cleaves Law Library provides a link to a pretrial order (PDF) on cross-motions for summary judgment in the case.
Last updated July 13 to include link to subsequent Press Herald coverage.
