Opinion ID: 2135493
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Stajer Claim

Text: Alida Stajer worked as a secretary for the district from 1982 to 1988. On December 8, 1986, Stajer filed a charge of age discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn.Stat. § 363.03, subd. 1(2)(c) (1988) with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (department). Stajer alleged that on account of her age the district had altered her job duties, lowered her salary, improperly placed her on summer leave and otherwise subjected her to ongoing harassment. The department investigated Stajer's allegations and on March 15, 1988 found probable cause to believe the district had engaged in discriminatory practices. In July 1988 the district tendered defense of the Stajer claim to St. Paul. After investigating the claim, St. Paul on September 15, 1988 declined to defend the district, stating that its liability policy did not cover intentional acts. In October 1989 the department issued a formal complaint against the district. The district filed an answer denying the essential allegations. The district again tendered defense of the claim to St. Paul, and St. Paul again declined to defend. In the meantime, the department and the district entered into settlement discussions. The district notified St. Paul of these discussions and the settlement amount under consideration. An $18,000 settlement was reached in September 1990 covering damages for mental anguish, embarrassment and suffering, and backpay. [1] None of the attorney fees and litigation expenses incurred by the district in defending the Stajer matter has been paid by St. Paul.