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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Keirsty Goodman v. Fred Finch Youth Center, et al.

Published: Sep. 16, 2003 | Result Date: Mar. 18, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 200126309 Verdict –  $248,300

Judge

Robert B. Freedman

Court

Alameda Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

David A. Lerman


Defendant

David A. Firestone


Facts

Keirsty Goodman, a child therapist, had been employed by Fred Finch Youth Center in Oakland for a few months. On June 16, 2001, the plaintiff was terminated. She sued the youth center and her immediate supervisor, alleging causes of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy, violation of good faith and fair dealing, fraud and concealment, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $27,500; the defendant offered $1,501.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed damages for emotional distress and lost wages.

Other Information

The jury returned special verdicts in favor of plaintiff on the causes of action for public policy tort termination, violation of Labor Code Section 1102.5, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury also awarded punitive damages based on a finding of malice and oppression on the part of the defendant. This brought the total verdict to $248,300. A nonsuit was granted to the defendant supervisor on the causes of action for violation of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud and concealment, and defamation. The defense has filed an appeal.

Deliberation

two days

Length

seven days


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