Confidential
Settlement – $50,000Judge
Court
Shasta Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Kevin M. Osterberg
(Haight, Brown & Bonesteel LLP)
Facts
The subject suit was brought by Valerie and Joseph Lauerman against The Shasta Lake Fire Protection District and its Chief, in which they alleged that Chief Wyckoff licked the plaintiff Valerie Lauerman's face on two occasions. Valerie Lauerman was participating in a training session conducted by the Shasta Lake Fire Protection District when the defendant Chief allegedly licked her, in addition to making obscene gestures with his tongue and fingers. The District defendants contended the alleged conduct by the Chief was an isolated brief "touching," and did not rise to the level of sexual harassment or intentional infliction of emotional distress. The alleged conduct was not severe or pervasive to create a hostile or abusive work environment. The City of Shasta Lake was originally named as a defendant and was dismissed from the lawsuit. Plaintiff Joseph Lauerman dismissed his loss of consortium claim during his deposition.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff Valerie Lauerman demanded $250,000. Following mediation, the Shasta Lake Fire Protection District agreed to pay $50,000 to settle the suit.
Injuries
The lawsuit alleged assault, battery, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and loss of consortium.
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