Opinion ID: 3057456
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Underlying Ogden Litigation

Text: Alyssa Ogden, White’s former aide, sued White and Hillsborough County 3 Case: 11-15905 Date Filed: 07/12/2012 Page: 4 of 13 alleging constitutional claims of gender discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation based on the Equal Protection Clause and brought under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988 against both defendants. Ogden’s complaint also alleged state law claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, under the Florida Civil Rights Act (“FCRA”), against only Hillsborough County.1 For each count, Ogden’s complaint sought damages, including lost wages, benefits and other past and future compensation, reinstatement, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs and other relief appropriate under federal or Florida law. The jury returned a verdict in Ogden’s favor, finding that she was subjected to unwanted sexual advances and sexual harassment and that she was terminated as part of the sexual harassment or because she rejected unwelcome sexual advances. The jury awarded Ogden a total of $75,000 in compensatory damages, representing $15,000 for medical expenses and $60,000 for mental anguish. The jury did not award any lost wages or benefits. The trial court’s judgment ordered that Ogden recover $75,000 from Hillsborough County and White. Ogden then sought over $200,000 in attorney’s fees. Hillsborough County settled with Ogden for $278,000, representing $75,000 to satisfy the judgment against Hillsborough 1 At the summary judgment stage, Ogden withdrew her retaliation claims under § 1983 and the FCRA and subsequently voluntarily dismissed her remaining FCRA claims before the case was submitted to the jury. 4 Case: 11-15905 Date Filed: 07/12/2012 Page: 5 of 13 County and $203,000 for Ogden’s attorney’s fees. The judgment against White remains in effect. During the Ogden litigation, White paid for his own defense, incurring $157,730.31 in legal fees and expenses. Hillsborough County incurred $114,713.35 in legal fees and $98,275.83 in trial costs and related expenses, for a total of $212,989.18. Hillsborough County’s total out-of-pocket was $490,989.18, which included the $203,000 settlement for Ogden’s attorney’s fees, the $75,000 judgment and its own $212,989.23 in attorney’s fees and expenses. Ultimately, State National paid Hillsborough County $65,989.18 under the CGL policy. This $65,989.18 amount was Hillsborough County’s total costs ($490,713.35), less the $75,000 judgment and the $350,000 SIR. When White sought reimbursement for his legal fees, State National denied coverage and filed this declaratory judgment action.