Trial News

Jennifer Taghavidinani was a psychiatric social worker at Riverview Psychiatric Center, a state mental health institute. After allegedly experiencing bullying and harassment by her colleagues, she filed a grievance through her union. She also complained to her supervisors that she was experiencing an unsafe work environment, bullying, and harassment. An investigation ensued, and Taghavidinani was transferred to another building that was under renovation. After suffering health effects from the environment, she was moved to yet another building and deprived of any social work-related responsibilities. She also was denied a computer and cell phone for almost two months and was given a negative performance evaluation.

Taghavidinani sued Riverview Psychiatric Center, alleging violation of the Maine Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, 26 Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. §833(3). The plaintiff asserted that she was wrongly disciplined, relocated, and accused of false misconduct after reporting problems and adverse working conditions at the facility.

The parties settled confidentially.

Citation: Taghavidinani v. Riverview Psychiatric Ctr., No. 1:16-cv-00208-JDL (D. Me. June 12, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Cynthia Dill, Portland, Me.