Opinion ID: 2377863
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: remedies and damages

Text: The jury awarded the plaintiff back pay in the amount of $ 65,975 for the violation of the Open Meetings Act. On the handicap discrimination claim, the plaintiff was awarded: $ 65,975 for back pay, $ 38,675 in front pay, $ 250,000 for humiliation and embarrassment, and $ 50,000 in punitive damages. The trial judge entered a judgment for $ 404,650 [3] and reasonable attorney's fees pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-306(a)(7). The defendants raise the following issues on appeal concerning the award of damages: (1) Whether Mrs. Forbes failed to properly elect between inconsistent remedies; (2) Whether the Court of Appeals provided the proper remedy under the Open Meetings Act; (3) Whether $ 250,000 for humiliation and embarrassment was excessive; (4) Whether the trial court erred in awarding punitive damages; and (5) Whether the plaintiff is entitled to attorney's fees for appealing this action. Issues 1, 3 and 4 were pretermitted by the decision of a majority of the appellate court. These issues were briefed upon appeal. In the interest of judicial economy, we will address issues 1 and 4 in lieu of remand. Issue 3 addressing remittitur, however, is remanded.