Walmart loses Wisconsin worker with Down syndrome lawsuit

MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – Walmart lost a federal lawsuit in Wisconsin as a jury sided with a sales associate with Down syndrome and alleged the schedule changes had exacerbated the attendance problems which had led to his dismissal.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission took the case and announced on Friday that a jury in a federal court in Green Bay had awarded Marlo Spaeth more than $ 125 million in punitive damages. But Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said under federal law that would be reduced to the maximum allowed, which is $ 300,000.

On Thursday, the jury also awarded Spaeth $ 150,000 in compensatory damages. Hargrove says Walmart is looking at its legal options.