In a compelling legal battle that underscores the complexities of workplace dynamics, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer and its owner, alleging severe misconduct and discrimination. On September 25, 2024, Christina Pavlovich lodged a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Amy Bernstein and Bernstein Realty, Inc., citing multiple grievances stemming from her long tenure at the company.
The plaintiff, Christina Pavlovich, claims she endured twenty-one years of verbal and mental abuse while employed as a receptionist and realtor for Bernstein Realty, Inc., under the supervision of Amy Bernstein. According to Pavlovich's allegations detailed in the court documents, Amy Bernstein frequently subjected her to derogatory remarks and threats regarding her job security. The complaint states that Bernstein would often say things like "you're fired" or "an intern fresh out of high school could do your job," which left Pavlovich in constant fear of being replaced due to her age. This hostile work environment reportedly intensified during the last year of her employment when insults were hurled at her almost daily in front of clients and colleagues.
The lawsuit further details an incident on October 1, 2024, where Pavlovich was instructed to perform personal errands for Bernstein during work hours. These tasks included delivering lunch to Bernstein's residence and assembling furniture at her condo. Later that day, after returning to work duties at the office located on Katy Freeway in Houston, she was asked again to deliver a book for what she believed was an event scheduled for the following day. However, upon arriving at Pappas Steakhouse later that evening to drop off the book, Pavlovich encountered a furious Amy Bernstein who publicly berated her for misunderstanding the delivery timing.
Pavlovich asserts that this pattern of behavior by Amy Bernstein constitutes age discrimination under both federal and Texas law. She cites violations of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), arguing that younger employees were treated more favorably despite similar performance levels. Furthermore, Pavlovich accuses Bernstein Realty Inc. of intentional infliction of emotional distress through repeated public humiliation and verbal abuse.
Seeking justice for these alleged wrongs, Christina Pavlovich is pursuing compensatory damages exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million. She also requests punitive damages aimed at deterring such conduct in workplaces across Texas. Additionally, she seeks attorney’s fees as part of her legal relief.
Representing Christina Pavlovich is attorney Lena Hinton from Infinity Law Group PLLC based in Houston. The case is presided over by Judge Taiasha Bradford under Case ID 2024-65947.