Case Overview
On June 17, 2024, a unanimous jury in the Los Angeles Superior Court returned a record-setting $900,000,000 verdict in favor of plaintiff Jane Doe in Doe, Jane v. David, Alkiviades.
The jury awarded $100,000,000 in compensatory damages and $800,000,000 in punitive damages against Alkiviades David for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The $900,000,000 jury verdict represents one of the largest jury verdicts in a sexual assault case and underscores the role of civil litigation in providing accountability for survivors of workplace sexual abuse and harassment. Following the verdict, the defendant moved for a new trial. To avoid making our client go through another trial, we agreed to accept the Court’s proposed reduction of the jury’s award, resulting in a final judgment of $90,000,000.
Court and Case Information
- Case Name: Doe, Jane v. David, Alkiviades
- Court: Los Angeles Superior Court, California
- Trial Judge: Hon. Christopher L. Lui
- Verdict Date: June 17, 2024
- Original Jury Verdict: $900,000,000
- Final Award: $90,000,000
- Final Compensatory Damages: $10,000,000
- Final Punitive Damages: $80,000,000
- Case Type: Sexual Assault / Sexual Battery / Workplace Sexual Harassment / Personal Injury
Background
The plaintiff, proceeding anonymously as Jane Doe, experienced repeated sexual harassment and sexual assault, including rape, while working for Defendant Alkiviades David and his various companies between February 2016 and April 2019. These companies included Filmon TV, Hologram USA, Inc., SwissX Labs, and others.
Trial and Verdict
The case proceeded to trial in the Los Angeles Superior Court before Judge Christopher L. Lui. The jury learned about all the sexual abuse and harassment experienced by Jane Doe, the egregious conduct of her abuser, the long history of prior sexual abuse and harassment committed by Defendant Alkviades David, and the consequences of that abuse on his victims.
Jane Doe was represented by Gary A. Dordick, as lead trial attorney, along with Associate Attorney Dustin Moaven as second chair..
After deliberation, the unanimous jury awarded Jane Doe a total of $900,000,000, consisting of:
- $100,000,000 in compensatory damages, and
- $800,000,000 in punitive damages
The verdict reflected the jury’s determination regarding the severity of the misconduct, the consequences experienced by Jane Doe, and the need for accountability through the civil justice system.
Post-Verdict Proceedings
Following the jury’s verdict, the defendant sought a new trial, which would have required our client to endure the difficult process of trial again. The Court indicated that it was prepared to grant the motion but offered an alternative that would allow the matter to be resolved through a reduction of the award.
Prioritizing our client’s well-being and recognizing her need to move forward, our team made the strategic decision to accept the reduced award rather than requiring Jane Doe to relive the experience of confronting her abuser again.
As a result, the $900,000,000 jury verdict was reduced to a final award of $90,000,000, consisting of:
- $10,000,000 in compensatory damages and
- $80,000,000 in punitive damages
Accepting the reduction allowed Jane Doe to avoid another trial while preserving a substantial judgment and bringing the litigation to a resolution.
Legal Significance
Beyond the financial award, this verdict underscores the importance of resilience and accountability when survivors face abuse by individuals in positions of power and influence.
Jane Doe’s case demonstrates that a person’s status, reputation, wealth, or position does not place them beyond accountability. Survivors can come forward, confront those responsible for their abuse, and seek justice through the civil justice system.
Civil litigation can provide survivors with an opportunity to have their experiences heard, pursue accountability, and seek recognition of the profound impact of sexual abuse. The jury’s substantial punitive damages award further reflects its determination that the conduct warranted additional accountability.
About Dordick Law Corporation
Dordick Law Corporation is a Southern California personal injury firm with offices in Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Riverside. The firm represents survivors in complex civil litigation and understands the challenges that can come with confronting powerful individuals and institutions.
Dordick Law Corporation is here to listen, provide legal guidance, and help survivors understand their options within the civil justice system.
Disclaimer
Results in individual cases vary based on their specific facts and legal circumstances. This result does not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other case.
