Employment

$6 million jury verdict for truck driver whose employer insisted he make deliveries in dangerous weather. Sacramento County.

Employer required hazardous materials truck driver to make deliveries in severe storm, then insisted he return for more after his shift even though he informed employer he had been drinking after work. He was fired for not returning to work.

Case Name: Webb v. Ramos Oil Company
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, July 13, 2012
Type of Case: Employment, Wrongful Termination

$90 million to security guards in class action over break time. Los Angeles County.

Security company required guards to be "on duty" during rest breaks, violating Labor Code. Award made by judge in summary judgment.

Case Name: Jennifer Augustus v. American Commercial Security Services
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, July 06, 2012
Type of Case: Class Action, Employment

$75,290 jury verdict for employment disability discrimination; stipulated judgment of $175,000 prior to punitive damages phase. Orange County.

Plaintiff was fired from her job one day after requesting medical leave.

Case Name: Maly Sun v. Transit Air Cargo Inc.
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Thursday, March 08, 2012
Type of Case: Discrimination, ADA, Employment

$167 million record verdict for wrongful termination of surgical aide at Catholic hospital. Sacramento County.

Physician's assistant in surgical unit says hospital ignored her repeated written complaints about verbal sexual harassment by doctors, lax safety practices and meal-and-rest breaks.

Case Name: Ani Chopourian v. Catholic Healthcare West d.b.a. Mercy General Hospital and Mercy General Hospital
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Type of Case: Defamation, Employment, Sexual Harassment