Edgar A. Hoffman v. Crown, Inc., et al.
Published: Dec. 16, 1995 | Result Date: Oct. 24, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC096970 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Darryl R. Zengler M.A.
(technical)
Defendant
Thomas E. Higgins
(technical)
Facts
On July 9, 1993, the plaintiff, Edgar A. Hoffman, a 55- year-old salesman for defendant, Crown, Inc., was laid off after 8 years of employment with the company. The plaintiff was told that his employment was being terminated due to a reduction in force caused by economic losses. The plaintiff contended that he was terminated because of his age and in retaliation for making complaints to his immediate supervisor regarding alleged anti-trust violations and illegal pricing.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of $75,000 and Plaintiff demanded $750,000 which was reduced to $150,000 prior to trial. Defendant made a high-low offer of $35,000-$150,000.
Specials in Evidence
$60,000 (ten months' income) $180,000 (present value)
Damages
$200,000 (punitive damages)
Injuries
Emotional distress and loss of income.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately 1 year and 9 months after the case was filed. The Court granted a nonsuit on the retaliation claim ruling that the plaintiff had to establish an actual violation of the law. The plaintiff contended that he had a reasonable, good faith belief that a violation of the law had occurred. The case was tried on state and federal age discrimination claims. An appeal is pending.
Deliberation
1 day
Poll
9-3
Length
8 days
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