Columbus, Ohio – September 27, 2023 – Attorneys Bob DeRose and Brian R. Noethlich from Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP, have taken legal action on behalf of Jodi Radabaugh and Barbara Vernon from Marietta, Ohio, filing a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association. The lawsuit alleges age discrimination under federal and state laws.
This lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, in Columbus, alleges that JPMorgan Chase Bank violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Ohio Laws Against Discrimination (OLAD) by discriminating based upon age, creating a hostile work environment, and retaliating against its employees, during Ms. Radabaugh’s and Ms. Vernon’s employment.
Jodi Radabaugh, 51, residing in Waterford, Ohio, worked for JPMorgan Chase Bank for nearly three decades until her alleged wrongful termination in April 2022. Barbara Vernon, 65, a resident of Marietta, Ohio, had been with the Bank since 1998. JPMorgan Chase Bank compelled Ms. Vernon to transfer branches and reduced her hours and compensation, the lawsuit alleges, solely because of her age. A third female employee, Leslie Hibbitts suffered the same alleged age discrimination, and was forced to resign. Ms. Hibbitts, however, may not bring her claims in Court, but must proceed with private arbitration out of the public’s view, due to an arbitration agreement JPMorgan Chase Bank required her to sign years ago.
The lawsuit alleges incidents of age-related discrimination, including derogatory, ageist comments made by a supervisor, differential treatment of older workers in terms of scheduling and benefits, and a hostile work environment designed to push out older employees. The plaintiffs seek various remedies, including a declaration of age discrimination, compensation for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and legal costs.
Bob DeRose, plaintiffs’ trial attorney who has represented workers for over 30 years, emphasizes the core issue in this case: “Our clients, Jodi Radabaugh, Barbara Vernon, and Leslie Hibbitts have been treated unfairly solely because of their age. No one should have to endure a hostile work environment or be forced out of employment after many years of service simply because they are older. This lawsuit serves as a reminder that age discrimination is unlawful, and we are committed to seeking justice for our clients and holding employers accountable.”
Media Contact:
For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Bob DeRose
Phone: (614) 221-4221
Email: bderose@barkanmeizlish.com
