Jackson Walker Scores Take-Nothing Judgment in Big Spring Discrimination Case

October 26, 2017 | Client Results



Jackson Walker partner Jon Mark Hogg successfully defended the City of Big Spring in a racial discrimination and retaliation case brought by former Lieutenant Fire Fighter Fabian Butler. Butler, the only black employee of the fire department, was fired for neglect of duty and discourtesy to the public after an altercation with officials at the local federal prison during a medical emergency call.

Butler claimed his termination violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, and his rights to due process and equal protection. Summary judgment was granted to the City and the Chief on all claims except racial discrimination.

This issue was tried to a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Abilene Division. Butler sought monetary damages, reinstatement or front pay, and other compensatory damages in excess of $2 million. On October 17, 2017, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the City that no discrimination had occurred.