A $100 million verdict does not happen by accident.

It happens when jurors believe an employer ignored warning signs, dismissed employee complaints, and treated a long-tenured worker as disposable. That is the real lesson from the December 2025 verdict against Liberty Mutual Insurance Company — and it is one California employers cannot afford to ignore.

In early December 2025, a Los Angeles jury returned a verdict exceeding $100 million for age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. While eye-catching verdicts make headlines, this case stands out for a more important reason. It highlights how age bias, retaliation, and poorly handled personnel decisions can expose employers — especially in California — to extraordinary liability.

Juries are paying close attention to how organizations treat long-tenured, older employees when leadership changes, complaints are raised, or medical leave enters the picture.

The Facts

The plaintiff, Joy Slagel, worked for Liberty Mutual for more than 30 years and had a strong performance history. According to the jury’s findings, problems began after management changes, when she raised concerns about perceived favoritism toward younger employees and alleged age-based treatment.

Shortly after returning from approved medical leave, she was terminated.

The jury concluded that the company engaged in age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, awarding approximately $20 million in compensatory damages and $83 million in punitive damages.

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