Washington Township will pay more than $124,000 in legal fees racked up by an employee who won a lawsuit alleging she was denied overtime and promotions.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- The township will get the bill for more than $124,000 in legal bills for a municipal employee after she sued the township alleging sexism and nepotism blocked her from overtime opportunities, and won.
The township council voted unanimously on Wednesday night to approve the agreement paying public works maintenance employee Kathleen Waterfield's attorney fees.
Waterfield's attorney Jacqueline Vigilante filed the lawsuit in Gloucester County Superior Court in 2013. In it, she argued that Waterfield was denied chances for promotions, overtime hours and training that instead went to the then public works supervisor's son, who was hired three months after Waterfield in 2003.
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The actions lead to Waterfield earning nearly $7,000 less annually than the son in both 2011 and 2012 the suit stated, and missing out on a promotional opportunity because the son was offered training she was not in order to obtain a higher position.
A jury awarded Waterfield $13,500 in damages over the summer. Because the suit dealt with discriminatory claims, Waterfield's legal win also means she is entitled to receiving attorney's fees as well, Business Administrator Bob Smith said Wednesday night.
Those total $124,073.89, he said. The township's employment insurance company will cover pay for a portion of the sum, but the township will still be responsible for paying a large deductible as well as a co-pay.
Waterfield remains an employee of the township.
Vigilante was not immediately available for comment Thursday morning.
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
