Job Attack Brings Large Award

New York Law Journal

Job Attack Brings $1.75 Million Award

A MANHATTAN jury awarded a 41-year-old woman $1.75 million for physical and psychological injuries suffered when she was attacked by a security guard while she was working at the Republic National Bank

Deborah Malachi Dykes, who was an employee in charge of security, claimed the guard, Jose Figueroa, assaulted her with a fire extinguisher over concern that he might be fired. Ms. Dykes' injuries included a fractured nose and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to her attorney, Shoshana T. Bookson of Glaser, Shandell & Blitz. The incident occurred at the bank's headquarters at 40th Street and Fifth Avenue in February 1992.

McRoberts Protective Agency, the guard's employer, was held liable for the award. It was represented by William Jaffe of Jacobwitz, Garfinkel & Lesman. Supreme Court Justice Carol E. Huff presided over the trial.

Nov. 18, 1996