Nov 1 (Reuters) – A Massachusetts couple subjected by eBay employees to a bizarre harassment campaign after an online newsletter they published drew the ire of executives can seek punitive damages on some of their claims against the company, though not some of the “most distressing” ones, a federal judge ruled on Friday.
The ruling, opens new tab by U.S. District Judge Patti Saris in Boston sought to clear up a legal question that the e-commerce company’s lawyers said had been a sticking point in talks to settle the lawsuit by David and Ina Steiner, who it said were already seeking more than $12 million in economic damages.
Andrew Finkelstein, a lawyer for the Steiners at Finkelstein & Partners, in a statement called Saris’ decision allowing them to pursue punitive damages important in the couples’ efforts to “stand up to such corporate activities.”
“Punitive damages are intended to deter such behavior in the future, and the Steiners are pleased a jury will be able to send such a message with a money verdict,” he said.