IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit
FILED
February 1, 2011
No. 09-51137 Lyle W. Cayce
Consol. w/ No. 10-50026 Clerk
FRED J. JACKSON,
Plaintiff-Appellee
v.
HOST INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
Defendant-Appellant
Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Western District of Texas
USDC No. 3:08-CV-112
Before REAVLEY, BENAVIDES, and CLEMENT, Circuit Judges.
PER CURIAM:*
Defendant-Appellant Host International Inc. (“Host”) appeals the final
judgment entered against it and damages awarded to Plaintiff-Appellee Fred J.
Jackson (“Jackson”) after a jury trial on Jackson’s claims that Host violated the
Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (the “Human Rights Act”), TEX. LAB.
CODE §21.001 et seq. Host also appeals the attorney’s fees awarded by the
district court. We affirm.
*
Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not
be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR.
R. 47.5.4.
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Jackson was employed with Delaware North, the contractor for
concessions at the El Paso International Airport.1 Jackson worked at the airport
since 1990, most recently in the position of general manager. In 2006, Delaware
North lost the contract with the airport, and Host took over concessions. Host
decided to continue employing Jackson as general manager for 180 days on a
trial basis. When Host extended its offer to Jackson, the Host district manager,
Bob Boorom (“Boorom”), commented to Jackson that his salary, $70,000 per year,
was good “for a person your age.” Jackson was then 57 years old.
During the trial period of employment, Jackson discovered a discrepancy
in salaries—apparently, older managers were paid less than younger managers
with less seniority and experience. On February 21, 2007, Jackson reported this
discrepancy to Boorom, who responded that the company needed to pay more to
younger workers in order to attract “younger, talented people.” Host did not
generate a written report of Jackson’s complaint or investigate further.
On March 7, less than two weeks after Jackson reported the pay
discrepancy to Boorom, Jackson’s employment was terminated. Host had not
documented any disciplinary action or warnings prior to terminating Jackson’s
employment, and Jackson received no written documentation of complaints
about his performance. During the meeting when Jackson was informed that he
was being fired, Boorom told Jackson, “At your age, I think you would rather be
doing things here in El Paso for the community than your job here.” Boorom also
told Jackson that he was being fired for his lack of a good relationship with a
local brand partner and for missing two conference calls. Jackson disputed at
trial that he missed more than one conference call; he also averred that he had
been instructed that he did not need to interact with the local brand partner, as
1
Because we review the jury verdict for sufficiency of the evidence, we draw all
inferences in favor of the non-movant—Jackson. Snyder v. Trepagnier, 142 F.3d 791, 795 (5th
Cir. 1998). Therefore, we relate Jackson’s version of the facts here.
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Boorom would handle that responsibility. No termination form was ever
completed to document the termination; Jackson’s employment was verbally
terminated. Host’s internal emails, offered at trial, were inconsistent regarding
its justifications for terminating Jackson’s employment.
Jackson sued Host in state court for age discrimination and retaliation
under §§ 21.051 and 21.055 of the Texas Labor Code. Following removal on
diversity grounds, a jury trial was held. Host moved for judgment as a matter
of law at the close of Jackson’s case in chief, which the district court denied. The
jury found in Jackson’s favor on both claims and awarded a total of around
$982,500 in damages. The damages award included $227,500 in back pay,
$455,000 in front pay, $200,000 in past compensatory damages, and $100,000 in
future compensatory damages. The district court also denied Host’s motion for
new trial. The district court awarded $175,000 in trial attorney’s fees to
Jackson. Host filed a timely notice of appeal, and we have jurisdiction under 28
U.S.C. § 1291.
1. Jury Verdict on the Merits
On appeal, Host argues that the district court erred when it denied Host’s
motions for judgment as a matter of law and new trial because there was
insufficient evidence to support the jury’s findings that (1) Host terminated
Jackson’s employment based on his age; and (2) Host terminated Jackson’s
employment in retaliation for Jackson’s report of perceived pay discrepancies of
Host employees based on age. We review the district court’s denial of Host’s
motion for judgment as a matter of law de novo. Evans v. Ford Motor Co., 484
F.3d 329, 334 (5th Cir. 2007). “Although our review is de novo, . . . our standard
of review with respect to a jury verdict is especially deferential.” Id. (internal
quotation marks omitted). A motion for judgment as a matter of law should be
granted only “[i]f the facts and inferences point so strongly and overwhelmingly
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in favor of one party that the Court believes that reasonable men could not
arrive at a contrary verdict.” Id. (internal quotation omitted). In reviewing a
motion for judgment as a matter of law, we “review all of the evidence in the
record, draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party, and may
not make credibility determinations or weigh the evidence.” SMI Owen Steel Co.
v. Marsh USA, Inc., 520 F.3d 432, 437 (5th Cir. 2008)(internal quotation
omitted). The ruling must be supported by more than a scintilla of evidence.
Laxton v. Gap Inc., 333 F.3d 572, 577 (5th Cir. 2003).
“Our standard of review of a denial of a motion for new trial is more
deferential than our review of the denial of a motion for judgment as a matter
of law.” SMI Owen Steel, 520 F.3d at 444 n.18 (internal quotation omitted). “The
decision to grant or deny a motion for a new trial is generally within the sound
discretion of the trial court, and reversible only for an abuse of that discretion.”
Shows v. Jamison Bedding, Inc., 671 F.2d 927, 930 (5th Cir. 1982). “When the
trial judge has refused to disturb a jury verdict, all the factors that govern our
review of his decision favor affirmance.” Foradori v. Harris, 523 F.3d 477, 504
(5th Cir. 2008) (internal quotation omitted). “Deference to the trial judge, who
has had an opportunity to observe the witnesses and to consider the evidence in
the context of a living trial rather than upon a cold record, operates in harmony
with deference to the jury’s determination of the weight of the evidence and the
constitutional allocation to the jury of questions of fact.” Id. (internal quotation
omitted).
A. Age Discrimination Finding
Host contends that the jury’s findings that (1) age was a motivating factor
in Host’s decision to terminate Jackson, and (2) Host would not have discharged
Jackson when it did absent the consideration of age were not supported by
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sufficient evidence.2 To recover for age discrimination under the Human Rights
Act, relying solely on circumstantial evidence (as Jackson did), an employee
must show that (1) the employee is a member of a protected class, i.e., over the
age of forty; (2) that the employee was qualified for the position; (3) that an
adverse employment action occurred; and (4) that the employee was replaced by
someone younger or was discharged because of age. See generally McDonnell
Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802, 93 S. Ct. 1817, 1824 (1973) (laying
out burden-shifting analysis); see also Evans v. City of Houston, 246 F.3d 344,
350 (5th Cir. 2001) (applying McDonnell Douglas framework to Human Rights
Act age discrimination claim).3 Once this prima facie case is made, the burden
shifts to the defendant to produce a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the
adverse employment action. Evans, 246 F.3d at 350. Then, the plaintiff has the
opportunity to demonstrate that the defendant’s given reasons are merely
pretextual. Id.
As the district court noted in its denial of Host’s motion for judgment as
a matter of law, Jackson presented more than a scintilla of evidence on each of
these elements. Boorom made several remarks about Jackson’s age, one at the
2
Host also argues that Gross v. FBL Fin. Servs., 129 S. Ct. 2343 (2009), requires that
Jackson establish “but for” causation, rather than “motivating factor” causation. However,
Gross dealt exclusively with the ADEA, not with the Human Rights Act. The Human Rights
Act expressly provides that employees need only show that age is a “motivating factor” for the
employment decision. TEX. LAB. CODE § 21.125(a). The ADEA has no such provision.
29 U.S.C. §§ 621–34. Gross does not require us to disregard the express language of the
Human Rights Act. Cf. Arismendez v. Nightingale Home Health Care, Inc., 493 F.3d 602, 607
(5th Cir. 2007) (applying “motivating factor” standard in a gender discrimination claim under
the Human Rights Act even though Title VII requires “but for” causation). However, as
discussed further in the main text, Jackson’s evidence proffered at trial was sufficient to justify
recovery under either causation standard.
3
As one of the purposes of the Human Rights Act is to “identify and create an
authority that meets the criteria under . . . 29 U.S.C. Section 633 [the ADEA],” TEX. LAB. CODE
§ 21.001(2), “analogous federal statues and the cases interpreting them guide the reading of
the [Human Rights Act].” Arismendez, 493 F.3d at 607 (internal quotation marks omitted).
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time of termination. Jackson’s explanation regarding the termination of his
employment has remained consistent, beginning with his EEOC charge and
continuing through trial. Host’s explanation, both in internal emails and in
Boorom’s testimony is inconsistent, ranging from asserting that Jackson quit to
asserting that Jackson was fired for being a dictator, or alternatively for doing
nothing at all. Additionally, the termination of Jackson’s employment came
shortly after he raised the issue of disparate pay based on age to Boorom. And,
Host could show no documentary evidence whatsoever—not even internal
emails—to support its claim that Jackson was not performing his job to their
standards. At the end of the day, the jury was called to determine which story
it believed—Jackson’s or Host’s. It chose Jackson’s. The jury was free to credit
or discredit his evidence, and we may not re-evaluate the jury’s decisions
regarding credibility. See Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S.
133, 150, 120 S. Ct. 2097, 2110 (2000). Sufficient evidence supports the jury’s
verdict on Jackson’s Human Rights Act age discrimination claim.
B. Retaliation Finding
Host argues that the evidence was not sufficient to support the jury’s
finding that Host terminated Jackson’s employment “in retaliation against
[Jackson] because he opposed alleged differences in pay between older and
younger managers.” In contrast to the age discrimination claim, here Jackson
needed to show “but for” causation in order to recover. See Pineda v. United
Parcel Serv., Inc., 360 F.3d 483, 487–89 (5th Cir. 2004). The Human Rights Act
allows employees to recover for retaliation where the employee demonstrates
that: (1) the employee participated in a protected activity; (2) an adverse
employment action occurred; and (3) the adverse employment action and the
protected activity are causally linked. Id. at 487. Once this showing is made, the
burden shifts to the defendant to show a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason
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for the employment action. Id. If the defendant meets this burden, then the
plaintiff must prove that the stated reasons are pretextual. Id.
Again, Jackson presented more than a scintilla of evidence on each of the
elements of the prima facie case. Under Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, an
employee engages in a protected activity only if the employee “(1) opposes a
discriminatory practice; (2) makes or files a charge; (3) files a complaint; or (4)
testifies, assists, or participates in any manner in an investigation, proceeding
or hearing.” TEX. LAB. CODE § 21.055. Host argues that Jackson did not engage
in a protected activity because his discussion with Boorom about pay disparity
centered around qualifications, not age. However, Jackson made a complaint.
That complaint drew the parallel between age and a disparity in pay. And,
Boorom allegedly made an age-related comment in response, demonstrating that
he was cognizant that the complaint was about age. Therefore, Jackson has
shown a protected activity. Assuming for the sake of argument that Host
showed legitimate reasons for the termination, as described above, Jackson also
presented sufficient evidence to allow the jury to find pretext. Host’s internal
communications surrounding Jackson’s firing were riddled with inconsistencies,
and testimony at trial was also inconsistent. Given these conflicts, the jury
could easily have found Host’s justifications to be pretextual. Host’s arguments
to the contrary center entirely around credibility decisions, and we may not
review those determinations. Moreover, the jury may have found pretext in the
fact that Host failed to document Jackson’s report regarding the disparity in age
and pay in contravention of its own policies. Sufficient evidence supports the
jury’s retaliation finding.
2. Jury Instructions
Host next contends that the district court erred by not instructing the jury
on the “same actor” inference. “We review the propriety of jury charges and
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instructions under the deferential abuse of discretion standard,” giving district
courts “wide latitude in formulating jury charges.” Bagby Elevator Co. v.
Schindler Elevator Corp., 609 F.3d 768, 772 (5th Cir. 2010) (internal quotation
omitted). To prevail on its jury instruction challenge, an appellant must show
that the “instruction 1) was a substantially correct statement of law, 2) was not
substantially covered in the charge as a whole, and 3) concerned an important
point in the trial such that the failure to instruct the jury on the issue seriously
impaired the [party’s] ability to present a given [defense].” Kanida v. Gulf Coast
Med. Pers. LP, 363 F.3d 568, 578 (5th Cir. 2004) (internal quotation omitted).
Host submitted the following proposed instruction: “Where there is a short
lapse of time between the hiring and firing of FRED JACKSON and the same
person was involved in the hiring and firing of FRED JACKSON, there is a
strong inference that any adverse employment action resulted from
nondiscriminatory reasons.” “The ‘same actor’ inference arises when the
individual who allegedly discriminated against the plaintiff was the same
individual who hired the plaintiff and gives rise to an inference that
discrimination was not the motive behind plaintiff’s termination.” Russell v.
McKinney Hosp. Venture, 235 F.3d 219, 228 n.16 (5th Cir. 2000).
Host fails to establish that the district court abused its discretion in
declining to instruct the jury on the “same actor” inference. First, it is not
uncontested that the same person both hired and fired Jackson. Boorom clearly
terminated Jackson, and Boorom testified that he interviewed Jackson and
presented him with an offer letter; however, the offer letter from Host is signed
by Bill Casey. See id. (inference did not overcome a jury verdict in favor of the
employee where “the jury had both versions before it and had the opportunity
to take the information into account in whatever fashion it found credible”).
Second, although the district court did not specifically instruct the jury on the
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“same actor” inference, it did give a general instruction on permissible
inferences. Host was free to argue to the jury that it should draw inferences
based on Boorom’s involvement in both the hiring and firing. Host has not
shown that the lack of the “same actor” instruction seriously impaired its ability
to present a defense, and, thus, Host has not established that the district court
abused its discretion when it did not submit the “same actor” inference
instruction to the jury.
3. Damages
Host also argues that the district court erred when it denied Host’s motion
for new trial or remittitur of the damage awards. “[I]n an action based on state
law but tried in federal court by reason of diversity of citizenship, a district court
must apply a new trial or remittitur standard according to the state's law
controlling jury awards for excessiveness or inadequacy, and appellate control
of the district court's ruling is limited to review for ‘abuse of discretion.’”
Foradori v. Harris, 523 F.3d 477, 497–98 (5th Cir. 2008). However, since “[t]he
purpose of the [Human Rights Act] is to coordinate and conform with federal law
under Title VII and the ADEA[,]” Texas state courts, and therefore we also, may
look to federal precedent in the absence of state decisional law. Murphy v. Uncle
Ben’s, Inc., 168 F.3d 734, 739 (5th Cir. 1999) (citing Caballero v. Cent. Power &
Light Co., 858 S.W.2d 359, 361 (Tex. 1993)).
Under the Human Rights Act, awards of front pay and back pay are
equitable in nature, and we review a trial court’s decision to award them for an
abuse of discretion. TEX. LAB. CODE § 21.258; Shear Cuts, Inc. v. Littlejohn, 141
S.W.3d 264, 271 (Tex.App.–Fort Worth 2004, no pet.) (back pay); Cox & Smith
Inc. v. Cook, 974 S.W.2d 217, 228 (Tex.App.–San Antonio 1998, pet. denied)
(front pay). Although the decision to award front pay and back pay is left to the
discretion of the court, the amount of damages is a fact question, which may be
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submitted to a jury. Autozone, Inc. v. Reyes, 272 S.W.3d 644, 658–59 (Tex.
App.–Corpus Christi 2006, pet. granted), rev’d on other grounds, 272 S.W.3d 588
(Tex. 2008). Section 21.2585 provides the legal remedy of compensatory
damages for violations of the Human Rights Act. § 21.2585. Texas courts review
the amount of damages awarded by a jury for factual sufficiency, “set[ting] aside
the verdict only if it is so contrary to the great weight and preponderance of the
evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust,” Enright v. Goodman Dist., Inc., ___
S.W.3d ___, 2010 WL 4618175, at *2 (Tex.App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2010, no
pet.), and legal sufficiency, upholding the verdict “[i]f there exists any evidence
to support the finding.” Stanley Stores, Inc. v. Chavana, 909 S.W.2d 554, 559
(Tex.App.–Corpus Christi 1995, writ denied).
Host argues that the district court abused its discretion when it awarded
back and front pay, or alternatively that the awards are too large, because the
evidence is insufficient to support them. Specifically, Host contends that
Jackson failed to demonstrate that he attempted to mitigate his damages and
clearly stopped attempting to mitigate when he became self-employed.
Additionally, Host argues that the jury’s award of an annual bonus worth the
equivalent of 35% of Jackson’s annual salary was speculative and not supported
by the evidence. Host further contends that even if there were enough evidence
to support an award of front pay, the trial court erred when it awarded the jury’s
full front pay award without reductions for present value or interim earnings.
Host also contests the jury’s awards of past and future compensatory damages,
alleging that they find no support in the record.
A. Back Pay
The jury awarded $227,500.00 in back pay. “‘Back pay’ commonly refers
to the wages and other benefits that an employee would have earned if the
unlawful event that affected the employee’s job related compensation had not
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occurred.” Patterson v. P.H.P. Healthcare Corp., 90 F.3d 927, 936 n.8 (5th Cir.
1996) abrogated on other grounds, Deffenbaugh-Williams v. Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc., 156 F.3d 581 (1998). Back pay may include fringe benefits such as a bonus,
but must be supported by evidence in the record. See Purcell v. Seguin State
Bank & Trust Co., 999 F.2d 950, 960 (5th Cir. 1993) (reversing award of back
pay for insurance where plaintiff adduced no proof that he bought insurance).
Host argues that the back pay award is in error because (1) Jackson has not
shown that he diligently pursued similar employment, and (2) the jury
improperly added a 35% annual bonus to Jackson’s salary.
“Because an award of back pay is an equitable remedy designed to make
the injured party whole,” we have held “that an injured party has a duty . . . to
use reasonable diligence to attain substantially similar employment and,
thereby, mitigate damages.” Patterson, 90 F.3d at 936. The burden is on the
employer to prove that (1) substantially equivalent work was available; and (2)
the former employee did not exercise reasonable diligence to obtain it. West v.
Nabors Drilling USA, Inc., 330 F.3d 379, 393 (5th Cir. 2003). “Substantially
equivalent employment is that employment which affords virtually identical
promotional opportunities, compensation, job responsibilities, working
conditions, and status as the position from which the [former employee] has been
discriminatorily terminated.” Id. (internal quotation omitted).
“Self-employment may be a reasonable alternative to seeking other employment
for purposes of mitigation.” Hill v. City of Pontotoc, Miss., 993 F.2d 422, 427 (5th
Cir. 1993). If an employer can demonstrate that the former employee did not
exercise reasonable diligence, it need not prove the availability of equivalent
work. Nabors, 330 F.3d at 393. “Whether the plaintiff has engaged in such an
effort is a question of fact subject to review for clear error[.]” Migis v. Pearle
Vision, Inc., 135 F.3d 1041, 1045 (5th Cir. 1998).
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The record contains enough evidence that the jury’s implicit finding that
Jackson diligently attempted to mitigate his damages4 is not clearly erroneous.
Jackson testified at trial and adduced evidence to demonstrate that he applied
for jobs with the city, the county, various hotels, retailers, and restaurants.
Because El Paso has only one airport, he was unable to apply for the same
position with another airport company. He further testified that after
approximately a year and a half of fruitless search for employment, he opened
his own business, which at the time of trial was not earning a profit. There is
sufficient evidence in the record that the jury could believe that Jackson was
reasonably diligent in his employment search. Therefore, the jury’s implicit
finding that Jackson had diligently attempted to find work was not clearly
erroneous.
Host also argues that the jury erroneously found that Jackson would have
received bonuses of 35% of his annual salary each year for the two and a half
years between the termination of his employment and trial. Host raises this
argument for the first time on appeal. Although Host argued in its motion for
new trial that the evidence did not support the back pay award, it never
discussed the bonus. Therefore, this argument is waived. Jethroe v. Omnova
Solutions, Inc., 412 F.3d 598, 601 (5th Cir. 2005); see also United States v. Krout,
66 F.3d 1420, 1434 (5th Cir. 1995) (“A party must raise a claim of error with the
district court in such a manner so that the district court may correct itself and
thus, obviate the need for our review.”) (internal quotation omitted). The district
court did not abuse its discretion when it awarded back pay.
B. Front Pay
4
The jury was not given a separate interrogatory regarding mitigation of damages.
Instead, the mitigation instruction was a part of the generalized instructions on damages for
back pay. Since the jury awarded Jackson the entire amount of his back salary plus bonuses,
it implicitly found that Jackson had diligently attempted to mitigate his damages.
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The jury awarded $455,000 in front pay. “[F]ront pay is a prospective
remedy that estimates the damage plaintiff will continue to suffer after the date
of final judgment as a result of the wrongdoing.” Palasota v. Haggar Clothing
Co., 499 F.3d 474, 490–91 (5th Cir. 2007). “Reinstatement generally is
preferable to an award of front pay, and we customarily require the district court
to articulate its reasons for finding reinstatement infeasible and awarding front
pay in lieu of reinstatement.” Giles v. Gen. Elec. Co., 245 F.3d 474, 489 n.27 (5th
Cir. 2001). The award should be reduced by potential future earnings. Id. at
489. And, the court “must consider [a plaintiff’s] failure to mitigate . . . damages
in determining the extent to which, if at all, front pay is appropriate.” Id.
(internal quotation omitted). “Calculations of front pay cannot be totally
accurate because they are prospective and necessarily speculative in nature.”
Reneau v. Wayne Griffin & Sons, Inc., 945 F.2d 869, 870 (5th Cir. 1991). Host
argues that the award of front pay was an abuse of discretion because (1) there
was insufficient evidence in the record to support it; (2) Jackson still had a duty
to mitigate the damages; (3) the district court should have made a finding
concerning reinstatement; and (4) the district court should have reduced the
award to account for present value or interim earnings.
The jury awarded Jackson his base salary of $70,000 plus an annual bonus
of 30%, or $21,000, for a period of five years, totaling $455,000. Host did not
raise the issue of the amount of the bonus for the front pay award in its brief.
It is, therefore, waived. See Mullins v. TestAmerica, Inc., 564 F.3d 386, 417 (5th
Cir. 2009) (“[W]e deem this issue waived due to inadequate briefing.”). And,
Host does not dispute the amount of salary that Jackson would have been paid
had he remained employed. Instead, Host focuses on the issue of mitigation.
Like back pay, an award of front pay must take into account a plaintiff’s
failure to mitigate damages. Giles, 245 F.3d at 489. Jackson testified, and the
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jury implicitly found, that he had diligently attempted to find equivalent
employment. As discussed above, that finding was not clearly erroneous. While
the district court could have found that Jackson’s business was likely to make
a profit at some point and could have reduced the amount of the front pay award,
nothing in the record required that the district court do so. Id. at 490 (“Though
the evidence of [plaintiff’s] failure to mitigate may have been sufficient to allow
the court to deny front pay, it was insufficient to require it to do so.”). Therefore,
there was sufficient evidence in the record for the jury to arrive at the $455,000
award of front pay.
For the first time on appeal, Host argues that the district court erred when
it made no express finding on reinstatement. Since Host did not make this
argument to the district court, it is waived. Jethroe, 412 F.3d at 601; Krout, 66
F.3d at 1434. Also for the first time on appeal, Host argues that the district
court erred by not reducing the award of front pay for present value. Host did
not raise this issue before the district court or object to the jury instruction on
calculating front pay which could have included instructions to discount for
present value. Therefore, this argument is also waived. Jethroe, 412 F.3d at
601.
Last, Host argues that the district court erred when it failed to subtract
earnings from Jackson’s business from the jury’s award of front pay. This
argument, although presented separately, is part and parcel of Host’s failure-to-
mitigate argument. Although the front pay award serves a different purpose
from that of back pay, the burden to prove failure to mitigate still lies with the
defendant. Giles, 245 F.3d at 489. Put another way, the affirmative defense of
failure to mitigate lies entirely with the defendant, including the burden to
establish the amount that the front pay award should be tolled or reduced.
Skalka v. Fernald Envtl. Restoration Mgmt. Corp., 178 F.3d 414, 426 (6th Cir.
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1999); accord Giles, 245 F.3d at 489–90 (affirming a district court’s award of
front pay although it had not deducted plaintiff’s earnings from a job not
substantially equivalent to his job with defendant). Jackson testified that his
business had not made a profit at the time of trial. Host adduced no evidence to
the contrary. Additionally, the jury heard evidence about the difficulty Jackson
suffered trying to find a substantially equivalent job in El Paso at age 60. And,
Host adduced no evidence to demonstrate that substantially equivalent jobs
were available. The district court instructed the jury that it could award front
pay, but should subtract “the amount of wages that in reasonable probability
[Jackson] will earn after the date of this trial.” The jury made no adjustments
for future earnings and awarded Jackson $455,000. It was not clearly erroneous
for the jury to find that Jackson’s business might not succeed in the El Paso
market and that Jackson would be unable to find substantially equivalent
employment before he reached age 65. The district court did not abuse its
discretion when it awarded the amount suggested by the jury.
C. Compensatory Damages
The Human Rights Act allows compensatory damages for “future
pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss
of enjoyment of life, and other nonpecuniary losses[.]” TEX. LAB. CODE
§ 21.2585(d). The jury awarded Jackson $200,000 in past compensatory
damages and $100,000 in future compensatory damages. Host argues that these
awards are unsupported by the evidence.
In order to demonstrate emotional distress, we have required that a
plaintiff show (1) “a specific discernable injury to [his] emotional state” and (2)
“more than vague allegations to establish existence of the injury.” Giles, 245
F.3d at 488 (internal quotation omitted). “[H]urt feelings, anger and frustration
are part of life and [are] not the types of harm that could support a mental
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anguish award.” Id. (internal quotation omitted). “Damages for emotional
distress may be appropriate, however, where the plaintiff suffers sleeplessness,
anxiety, stress, marital problems, and humiliation.” Id. (internal quotation
omitted). And although we greatly prefer corroborating testimony, “we [have
never] held[] that a plaintiff may never prove mental anguish damages with his
own testimony alone.” Id. Here, Jackson testified that he has been diagnosed
with severe depression and post traumatic stress disorder. His depression was
and is severe enough to require ongoing treatment and medication. His medical
records confirming this were entered into evidence. Additionally, he testified
that he has suffered other physical consequences: weight gain, high blood
pressure, and sleeplessness. He also argues on appeal that he adduced
testimony that he suffered significant anxiety because he had to sell his house
and move into an apartment, and he had to withdraw money from his pension
plan with the accompanying penalty in order to be able to afford to live. There
is sufficient testimony in the record to support the award of compensatory
damages.
Nor has Host demonstrated that the award of compensatory damages is
disproportionate. “A verdict is excessive as a matter of law if shown to exceed
any rational appraisal or estimate of the damages that could be based upon the
evidence before the jury.” Brunnemann v. Terra Int’l, Inc., 975 F.2d 175, 178
(5th Cir. 1992). “This court has firmly established in previous cases that it will
not reverse a jury verdict for excessiveness except on the strongest of showings.”
Foradori, 523 F.3d at 504 (internal quotation omitted) (collecting cases).
Jackson testified to injuries that, if credited, could lead the jury to find that the
damages he incurred were worth $200,000. He testified that he incurred
significant, measurable physical and emotional damage for the two and a half
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year period between his firing and trial. An award of this amount does not
exceed any rational estimate of the damage based on the facts before the jury.
The jury also awarded $100,000 in future compensatory damages. Jackson
testified that he would need ongoing treatment for depression and post
traumatic stress disorder. He still is not working at a job that is comparable to
his position with Host. And, he has testified that his self-esteem is closely tied
to his ability to work. This award is not unsupported by the record in front of
the jury, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in awarding these
amounts.
4. Attorney’s Fees
A. Trial
Host next argues that the district court erred when it (1) improperly
applied the lodestar method; and (2) enhanced the attorney’s fees award. “We
review the district court’s award of attorney’s fees for abuse of discretion.”
Gagnon v. United Technisource, Inc., 607 F.3d 1036, 1043 (5th Cir. 2010)
(internal quotation omitted). “Determining a ‘reasonable attorney’s fee’ is a
matter that is committed to the sound discretion of a trial judge, . . . but the
judge’s discretion is not unlimited.” Perdue v. Kenny A. ex. rel. Winn, 130 S. Ct.
1662, 1676 (2010). The burden is on the plaintiff to demonstrate the amount of
attorney’s fees, including any adjustment or enhancement. Blum v. Stenson, 465
U.S. 886, 901–02, 104 S. Ct. 1541, 1550 (1984). And, “a fee applicant seeking an
enhancement must produce ‘specific evidence’ that supports the award.” Perdue,
130 S. Ct. at 1673. A court abuses its discretion when it awards attorney’s fees
without “a reasonably specific explanation for all aspects of a fee determination,
including any award of an enhancement.” Id. at 1676.
The Human Rights Act states that “a court may allow the prevailing party
. . . a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs.” TEX. LAB. CODE § 21.259(a).
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The district court in this case used the lodestar method to calculate attorney’s
fees. See Dillard Dept. Stores, Inc. v. Gonzales, 72 S.W.3d 398, 412 (Tex.App.–El
Paso 2002, pet. denied). This method involves two steps. First, the court
calculates the lodestar itself which is equal to the number of hours reasonably
expended multiplied by the prevailing hourly rate in the community for similar
work. Rutherford v. Harris Cnty., 197 F.3d 173, 192 (5th Cir. 1999). Next, the
court may adjust the amount based on the Johnson factors.5 Id. Here, the
district court calculated the lodestar amount by multiplying $300 per hour by
388.4 hours to find a total lodestar amount of $116,520. The district court then
considered Jackson’s motion for an enhancement of the fees. It found that three
of the Johnson factors merited an enhancement of $58,480 for a total award of
$175,000.
5
In Johnson, we articulated a series of twelve factors for courts to use as guidelines
when determining attorney’s fees under Title VII:
(1) The time and labor required[,]
(2) The novelty and difficulty of the questions[,]
(3) The skill requisite to perform the legal service properly[,]
(4) The preclusion of other employment by the attorney due to the
acceptance of the case[,]
(5) The customary fee[,]
(6) Whether the fee is fixed or contingent[,]
(7) Time limitations imposed by the client or the circumstances[,]
(8) The amount involved and the results obtained[,]
(9) The experience, reputation, and ability of the attorneys[,]
(10) The “undesirability” of the case[,]
(11) The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client[,
and]
(12) Awards in similar cases.
Johnson v. Ga. Highway Express, Inc., 488 F.2d 714, 717–19 (5th Cir. 1974), overruled on other
grounds, Blanchard v. Bergeron, 489 U.S. 87, 90, 109 S. Ct. 939, 942 (1989). “The lodestar
may not be adjusted due to a Johnson factor, however, if the creation of the lodestar amount
already took that factor into account; to do so would be impermissible double counting.”
Saizan v. Delta Concrete Prods. Co., 448 F.3d 795, 800 (5th Cir. 2006).
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Host first objects that the district court used an hourly rate that is too
high. The district court calculated the lodestar amount using an hourly rate of
$300. Not only did Host not object to this figure, in its supplemental response
to the motion for attorney’s fees, it abandoned its position that the rate should
be $225 per hour and expressly stated that it did not object to the $300 per hour
rate. Because Host now argues a position that is inconsistent with its position
in the district court, it is foreclosed from arguing that the hourly rate was
improper. United States v. Rodriguez, 602 F.3d 346, 350–51 (5th Cir. 2010)
(“Review of invited errors is . . . precluded; such errors are reviewed only for
‘manifest injustice.’”); see also Craddock Int’l Inc. v. W.K.P. Wilson & Son, Inc.,
116 F.3d 1095, 1106 n.15 (5th Cir. 1997).
Host next argues that the trial court erred when it enhanced the lodestar
amount by $58,480, or approximately 50%. Jackson urged the trial court to
enhance the attorney’s fees based on seven of the factors enumerated in
Johnson. The district court rejected several of Jackson’s enhancement
arguments,6 finding that those factors were already subsumed in the lodestar
calculation. However, it found enhancement was proper based on (1) the fact
that the fee was contingent; (2) the amount involved and the result obtained; and
(3) awards in similar cases. The district court, therefore, enhanced the fee but
did not differentiate the amount of enhancement attributable to each factor.
Host argues that in light of the Supreme Court’s recent holding in Perdue,
the district court abused its discretion when it enhanced the lodestar amount.
In Perdue, the Supreme Court reversed an attorney’s fees award under 28 U.S.C.
§ 1988 enhanced by the district court based on superior performance and the
contingent nature of the fees. Perdue, 130 S. Ct. at 1670. Reiterating that in its
6
It declined to enhance based on: (1) time and labor required; (2) novelty and difficulty
of the question; and (3) experience, reputation and ability of the attorneys.
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view the Johnson factors are an alternative method to lodestar for calculating
attorney’s fees rather than factors upon which a lodestar amount may be
enhanced, the Supreme Court “reject[ed] any contention that a fee determined
by the lodestar method may not be enhanced in any situation.” Id. at 1673.
“Instead, there is a ‘strong presumption’ that the lodestar figure is reasonable,
but that presumption may be overcome in those rare circumstances in which the
lodestar does not adequately take into account a factor that may properly be
considered in determining a reasonable fee.” Id. The Court described three
circumstances under which enhancement could be permissible, if only rarely: (1)
“where the method used in determining the hourly rate employed in the lodestar
calculation does not adequately measure the attorney’s true market value;” (2)
“if the attorney’s performance includes an extraordinary outlay of expenses and
the litigation is exceptionally protracted;” and (3) “in which an attorney’s
performance involves exceptional delay in the payment of fees.” Id. at 1674–75.
The Court held that enhancements based on contingent fees were already
foreclosed by its ruling in City of Burlington v. Dague, 505 U.S. 557, 112 S. Ct.
2638 (1992), and that enhancements also may not be based on superior
performance. Id. at 1676 (citing Dague, 505 U.S. at 565, 112 S. Ct. at 2638).
Host contends that because none of the three circumstances is present here,
enhancement was an abuse of discretion. Jackson argues that attorney’s fees
under the Human Rights Act is based on Texas law and, thus, Perdue does not
govern.
The Texas Supreme Court has referred to the Johnson factors, but it has
never formally adopted them. See Gen. Motors Corp. v. Bloyed, 916 S.W.2d 949,
960 (Tex. 1996). “When a relevant state’s precedents in a diversity case do not
fully advise us on the law, we must make our best determination of what that
state’s highest court would decide.” Paul v. Landsafe Flood Determination, Inc.,
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550 F.3d 511, 515 (5th Cir. 2008). “In making an ‘Erie guess’ in a diversity case,
this court will seek guidance by looking to the precedents established by
intermediate state appellate courts only when the state supreme court has not
spoken on an issue.” Primrose Operating Co. v. Nat’l Am. Ins. Co., 382 F.3d 546,
565 (5th Cir. 2004) (internal quotations omitted).
The Texas Courts of Appeals have consistently applied enhancements
based on the Johnson factors, including the contingent fee nature of the case
despite the Supreme Court’s unequivocal holding in Dague. See, e.g., El Apple
I, Ltd. v. Olivas, 324 S.W.3d 181, 193 (Tex.App.–El Paso 2010, pet. filed); Guity
v. C.C.I. Ent., Co., 54 S.W.3d 526, 529 (Tex.App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2001, no
pet.); Pitts v. Dallas Cnty. Bail Bond Bd., 23 S.W.3d 407, 412 (Tex.App.–Amarillo
2000, pet. denied). And, the El Paso Court of Appeals has addressed Perdue,
specifically as it relates to contingent fees, and distinguished it. El Apple I, 324
S.W.3d at 193 (internal citation omitted) (“[W]e note that Texas courts permit
the use of a multiplier when awarding attorney fees pursuant to Texas statutes
allowing recovery of attorney fees, including the [Human Rights Act], based on
the contingent nature of such cases. El Apple cites almost exclusively to federal
authority for the proposition that a multiplier must be reserved for exceptional
cases. Without discounting such authority as it applies to federal employment
discrimination cases, we will not depart from our prior decision [in Gonzales].”).
While the Texas Supreme Court has not spoken to the issue of enhancements,
the Texas Courts of Appeals have given us enough guidance to determine that
under Texas law, the district court’s enhancement of the attorney’s fees based
on the Johnson factors was not an abuse of discretion.
B. Appeal
Jackson seeks attorney’s fees for his successful defense of this appeal,
relying on Texas Labor Code § 21.259, which allows a prevailing party to recover
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reasonable attorney’s fees in a proceeding under the Labor Code. Under Texas
law, if a party is entitled to recover attorney’s fees in the trial court, the party
is also entitled to attorney’s fees after successfully defending on appeal. DP
Solutions, Inc. v. Rollins, Inc., 353 F.3d 421,436 (5th Cir. 2003) (citing Gunter v.
Bailey, 808 S.W.2d 163, 166 (Tex. App.–El Paso 1991, no writ)). The district
court made no provision for appellate attorney’s fees in its fee order. A district
court’s refusal to award appellate attorney’s fees before an appeal has even been
taken is not error. Instone Travel Tech Marine & Offshore v. Int’l Shipping
Partners, Inc., 334 F.3d 423, 433 (5th Cir.2003). The issue of appellate
attorney’s fees is a matter for the district court on remand following the
resolution of the underlying appeal. See id. Accordingly, we remand to the
district court for the limited purpose of determining attorney’s fees for this
appeal.
AFFIRMED; LIMITED REMAND.
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