Age Discrimination Ruling Costly for Companies
April 8-14, 2005
By:  John Fakler

While a March 30 Supreme Court decision will now make it easier for older workers to sue their employers for age discrimination, the landmark ruling will also help employers defend themselves against such suits.

But, that could come at a high cost for companies, especially in Florida, according to several local labor attorneys.

“The law was clear that one stray remark here and there was not enough for an age discrimination suit,” said Paul Lopez, a director and employment attorney with Tripp Scott, who also sees companies facing down prohibitive costs that could hurt bottom lines.  “Now it will be more difficult to prove there is not smoking gun evidence.”

“The problem for business is they will see a heightened rash of age discrimination lawsuits,” Lopez said.

But in South Florida, where there is a predominance of small and mid-size firms, the expense of defense will proportionately hit those companies worst, Lopez said, adding it could cost $50,000 to $75,000 just to get the case disposed in court.