Former Kansas Employee Settles Case for $125K

A former employee of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, has won a $125,000 settlement after her boss was convicted of grabbing her by the shirt and pushing her into a wall.

The Kansas City Star reports that the Unified Government also apologized to Madeline Waldeck for the hostile work environment she faced while working for Dennis “Tib” Laughlin, the former director of general services.

Her lawsuit says she called police in May 2018 after Laughlin shoved her, leading to a misdemeanor battery conviction and Laughlin’s resignation. The suit said said she had complained previously about Laughlin’s conduct but that no action was taken.

“I hope that by me sharing my story things will change for the good and that I can help others,” Waldeck told The Star on Monday.

A message seeking comment from Laughlin, was not returned. The Unified Government did not respond to a message seeking comment, either.