In 2002, my employer (at the time) had some safety problems so I contacted the management about these problems. I was told not to worry about the problems and they did nothing about the problems. I then contacted OSHA which inspected the plant and emposed fines. Shortly after, I was fired. I contacted OSHA about the firing and they convinced the emplorer to agree to re-hire me with back pay. In the signed agreement the employer agreed that nothing would be said to any third party that can be construed as damaging my name, character or employment opportunities.
A year later it happened again. I contacted OSHA again and the company gave me back pay and offered re-hire which I declined because i wanted to go on with my life. Another agreement was signed by the employer stating that nothing would be said to any third party that can be construed as damaging my name, character or employment opportunities.
I spent two years trying to find a job, but couldn't. Then I found out the X-employer was saying bad and false things to people calling for references. I even had a friend call for a reference about me and was told bad and false things. (the whole conversation was recorded on tape).
I filed a suit and we did a deposition with the X-employer's main plant manager (who is the only one authorized to give out references) and he admitted to giving one bad reference, but claims he knew nothing of the two OSHA agreements that state (nothing would be said to any third party that can be construed as damaging my name, character or employment opportunities.) Right after the deposition, they offered me $4000 to settle.
We are suing for $250,000 compensatory damages and 1,000,000 for punitive damages. Do you think we have a good case? What do you think we would get if it goes to trial? How much should we settele for? The same plant manager was employed by the company during all above events.

