Tallahassee Reports has learned that the recent jury verdict in favor of fired City of Tallahassee firefighter, Mark DeCarlo, included $700,000 for “mental anguish.” The total judgement awarded was $850,000.
See our previous report here.
Tallahassee Reports has obtained a copy of the verdict form. The entire form can be viewed here.
The image below (click on image to enlarge), from the verdict form, shows the breakdown of the monetary award.
DeCarlo was awarded $108,629 in lost wages and benefits. However the bulk of the award was for “emotional pain and mental anguish.” The jury awarded $200,000 for past mental anguish and $500,000 for future mental anguish.
Why so much for mental anguish?
One possible answer to that question is the finding that the City of Tallahassee took “adverse action” against Mr. DeCarlo because of his disability or his perceived disability.
See questions from verdict form below (click on image to enlarge).
The verdict form refers to the “City of Tallahassee” and does not mention individuals. Tallahassee Reports is seeking to find out if any individuals employed by the City of Tallahassee will be held responsible for the actions taken against Mr. DeCarlo.
Mark DeCarlo is a "vexatious litigant"
Bob good luck with that. They haven't done a thing.
I look forward to your findings of individual persons making decisions that resulted in this huge award (deserved) and how they will be held accountable.
I wonder how much I can get for mental anguish for what the City put me through to get permits in this City?