LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

US DISTRICT COURT, MIAMI

A jury awarded a group of nine exotic dancers at a Miami adult club nearly $900,000 for back wages in a case turning on whether they were independent contractors or employees.

From April 2011 to July 2014, the dancers worked at the King of Diamonds club. They believed they were paid as independent contractors and maintained they did not receive proper minimum or overtime wages they were owed as employees. The women sued club owner Teri Galardi, and other companies and individuals, which were dismissed. The plaintiffs claimed they were employees because they had to follow specific rules.

The club argued they were independent contractors and denied exercising control over their work. The jury awarded the group damages of $893,236.

Case: Espinoza v. Galardi South Enterprises

Case No.: 1:14-cv-21244

Plaintiffs attorney: Harlan S. Miller III, Miller Legal, Macon, Georgia

Defense attorney: Dean R. Fuchs, Schulten Ward Turner & Weiss, Atlanta