Ingles Markets Accused of Discrimination

Free Case Evaluation

Ingles Markets Accused of DiscriminationPhyllis Bannish has filed a lawsuit against Ingles Markets, claiming she was fired after complaining about sexual harassment.

Bannish started working at Ingles Markets in March 2015 and held several different positions, including cashier, customer service manager and scanner coordinator.

Within a few weeks of starting as a cashier, Bannish claims assistant store manager Jeremy Douglas, “-began behaving inappropriately when he was near me. For instance, Douglas often would come up behind me and stand unnecessarily close to me so that the front of his pants touched my backside, or he would reach over me so that his arm would purposely brush against my breast. He also would stare at me and lick his lips with his hands in his pockets.”

Bannish said on other occasions Douglas would walk towards her and tug on his penis.

In April 2015, Bannish said she reported the behavior to her supervisor, Dorene Bolt. She said Bolt told her to drop the complaints, telling her “it is the good-old-boy mentality and if you report this you will get fired and their lawyers will eat you alive.”

As Douglas continued to sexually harass her, Bannish said she complained to Bolt again in June and October 2015. Bolt told her that complaining to the store manager would be useless and then transferred to another store shortly after.

On June 5, 2016, while talking about Banish’s promotions, “Douglas made a comment insinuating that Jarrett had promoted me in return for sexual favors. After he made this comment, I immediately left the conversation as I was emotionally distraught and crying.”

Bannish went to the store on her next day off to talk to Jarrett about Douglas’ behavior.

Jarret allegedly said, “I guess you don’t want to work here anymore.”

“I understood from that statement that I was terminated, and did not return to work the next day as was originally scheduled,” Banish said.

Bannish first filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commision complaint in November 2016, alleging discrimination.

She received a notice of right to sue from EEOC in October.

The lawsuit asks for more than $200,000 in compensatory and punitive damages for gender discrimination, negligent infliction of emotional distress, loss of wages and other benefits.

 

workers compensation attorneys in dc

Injury Attorneys DC, MD, VA – Get the Compensation You Deserve! Whether you have been injured in a car accident, a malpractice victim, injured on the job, as the result of shoddy craftsmanship, or in a slip and fall, we can help! Our experienced, competent attorneys excel in all areas of personal injury law.

Practice Areas 

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Our team is available and ready to help you with your case. Feel free to contact us via the form below or call us 24/7 at 202-955-4529

Recent Posts

Client Review

"The legal team at Cohen & Cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job."
Jose Rivera
Client Review

"I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side."
Lea Harvey
Client Review

Read more:

Hear from our clients

If you have been injured, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.