“The conduct described in this case was wrong and reprehensible and does not reflect the values of our city or the safe, respectful workplace every employee deserves,” Arias said. “It is time for the City to take responsibility, resolve this matter, and learn from the mistakes that were made under the prior city attorney.”
The next hearing is scheduled for June 15, continuing a long-running legal battle that began with the lawsuit’s filing in 2019.
In their filing, Wilson’s lawyers reiterated her claims — including that Lacy called her lazy and dishonest and pressured co-workers to stay away from her — and argued in favor of the jury’s verdict.
Goyette and Schwin wrote that the jury carefully weighed the evidence over two days, even ruling in the city’s favor on some issues and awarding Smith less than requested. They said jurors accurately assessed emotional distress damages.
“For these reasons, determinations about ‘intangible, non-economic losses’ are ‘peculiarly within a jury’s ken,’” they wrote.
They also argued that the jury’s finding is legally protected and entitled to respect.
“A district court may not grant a new trial simply because it would have arrived at a different verdict,” they said.
The amount awarded is tied to the scope and severity of the harm done to Wilson, according to their filing. The attorneys said she experienced intimacy problems with her husband, was diagnosed with anxiety, developed heart problems, and experienced weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, and social withdrawal as a result of what she endured. Wilson’s reputation was also tarnished professionally by years of discrimination and retaliation by Lacy.
“It negatively impacted literally everything that is meaningful in life — her family, her career, her health, and her relationships with other people,” the lawyers said.
They also rejected Fresno’s argument that damages should be reduced under federal limits, noting the case includes state law claims that allow higher awards.
Wilson said the city tried to portray her as an “angry Black woman,” adding that anyone would react to the treatment she endured.