Michelle Matthews v. Advo, Inc. and Transadvo, Inc., et al.
Published: Sep. 23, 1995 | Result Date: Jun. 1, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 295963 – $500,000
Judge
Court
Stanislaus Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Dierdre Conway Rand
(medical)
Thomas C. Thomas
(technical)
William Lepowsky
(technical)
Defendant
Craig Wells
(technical)
Richard Harkness
(technical)
John Fielder
(medical)
Jeffrey Pullen
(technical)
Facts
Plaintiff Michelle Matthews was hired by Defendants Advo, Inc., and Transadvo, Inc., as a secretary for its East Coast office. For the next 4 years, she received several promotions and merit raises. In 1991, she was asked to relocate to California and accept a promotion to branch manager. She was allegedly assured that this move was a stepping stone to an even higher position in the Defendant company's management. On November 12, 1992, Defendants closed the California office and terminated Plaintiff, along with all employees of that office. At that time, Plaintiff was a 44-year-old branch manager.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff contends her demand was $350,000 and Defendants offered $125,000.
Specials in Evidence
$52,000 $487,000
Injuries
Emotional distress.
Result
The jury made a finding of fraud, malice, and oppression and awarded Plaintiff $500,000 (which included findings entitling Plaintiff to attorney fees) during the compensatory phase of the trial; prior to the punitive phase, that verdict was vacated in favor of a confidential settlement. The jury's partial verdict had specified $279,077 for economic damages and $220,923 for non-economic damages.
Deliberation
7 hours
Poll
10-2 liability, 12-0 damages
Length
5 weeks
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