Jury Rules in Favor of Florida Barber Academy in Civil Workplace Lawsuit
Setting the Scene: Where and How It Began
Wanda Holloway worked as an Admissions Recruiter at Florida Barber Academy in Plantation, Florida. The school was operated by Florida Barber Holdings, Inc. and Florida Barber Academy, Inc. It trained students for licenses in barbering and cosmetology. Kerry Wilcox, the Default Manager, also worked on-site. Both individuals were present at the same workplace during the reported incidents.
The Incidents: What Sparked the Legal Action
In November 2016 and again on January 6, 2017, Kerry Wilcox allegedly touched Holloway inappropriately at work. One incident occurred during a conversation about a student’s enrollment. Another happened near the registrar’s office while using a copier. According to the complaint, Wilcox touched Holloway’s buttocks and crotch without consent and made sexual advances. These actions were described as intentional and beyond the bounds of workplace behavior, sparking the current legal dispute.
The Harm: Physical and Emotional Consequences
Holloway claimed that these actions caused both physical pain and psychological trauma. The complaint detailed injuries, worsening of a prior condition, and emotional distress. She struggled with her ability to work and experienced a diminished quality of life. The impact, as stated, was ongoing and expected to continue.
The Loss: What the Plaintiff Is Seeking
The complaint sought compensation for medical expenses, pain, emotional suffering, and permanent injury. Holloway also cited lost wages and impaired earning capacity. She emphasized that her physical and emotional injuries were not short-term and would require continued treatment and support.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Wanda Holloway
Counsel for Plaintiff: Kenneth D. Cooper
Defendants: Florida Barber Holdings, Inc. | Florida Barber Academy, Inc. | Kerry Wilcox
Counsel for Defendants: Bob L. Harris | James Joseph Dean | Cameron H. Carstens
Allegations Made Against the Defendants
Count I – Negligence by Kerry Wilcox:
Holloway accused Wilcox of breaching her duty of care by engaging in non-consensual, inappropriate physical contact.
Count II – Assault and Battery by Kerry Wilcox:
She further alleged that Wilcox’s physical contact and sexual advances amounted to unlawful and harmful acts.
Count III – Employer Responsibility:
The plaintiff argued that Florida Barber Holdings and Florida Barber Academy were responsible for Wilcox’s actions since they occurred at work.
Count IV – Negligent Hiring and Oversight:
Holloway claimed the companies failed to properly screen, train, and supervise Wilcox, which contributed to the incidents and her harm.
Defense
Florida Barber Academy, Inc. responded to Wanda Holloway’s Complaint by denying all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct involving Kerry Wilcox. The defendant acknowledged employing both Holloway and Wilcox but firmly denied any liability, asserting that Wilcox’s alleged conduct fell outside the scope of her employment. The company also pointed out that Florida Barber Holdings, Inc. and Wilcox were dismissed as parties to the case, and that several claims were no longer applicable.
In its affirmative defenses, the defendant argued that the complaint failed to state a valid claim and invoked Florida’s “impact rule,” challenging the basis for emotional distress damages. It asserted that any damages were caused solely or partly by the plaintiff’s own negligence, or by third parties beyond the defendant’s control. Additional defenses included claims of superseding causes, collateral source payments, failure to mitigate damages, and potential workers’ compensation immunity. The defendant reserved the right to amend or add further defenses as discovery progresses.
Jury Verdict
On June 12, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Defendant, Florida Barber Academy, Inc. The jury found that the Plaintiff, Wanda Holloway, failed to prove her claims of negligence, assault and battery, and negligent hiring, supervision, and retention by a preponderance of the evidence. As a result, the court entered judgment for the Defendant, and the Plaintiff was awarded no damages.