Jury awards TV host $495,000

TAMPA -- A federal jury awarded $495,000 to a former Home Shopping Network host who said she was discriminated against after she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease.

Alice T. Cleveland started at the network in 1985 as a host known for selling dolls. In 1998, she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, which can affect voluntary muscles. She went on disability leave but returned after eight months.

She claimed in the suit that after her return the company tried to push her out by limiting her time on the air, among other things. When she appeared on an infomercial, the Home Shopping Network fired her for allegedly violating a noncompete clause in her contract.

During the six-day trial, her lawyer, Craig Berman of St. Petersburg, argued that Cleveland, 53, had not violated the contract. He also argued that she could still do the job with some considerations, including working a regular schedule and being allowed to get enough sleep each night.

The jury deliberated for three hours before coming back with the verdict Monday night.

For large companies, federal laws cap punitive and compensatory damages in discrimination suits at $300,000. Plaintiffs also can receive back pay, attorney's fees and lost future pay.

The Home Shopping Network, which could not be reached, could appeal.

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