Dean Anderson and Stan Cochran v. City of Los Angeles, et al.
Published: Oct. 31, 1998 | Result Date: Sep. 8, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV966340WJR Verdict – $175,000
Judge
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Jennifer L. Polhemus
(technical)
Richard Luros
(medical)
Defendant
David Heber
(medical)
Facts
In 1994, while assigned to the defendant Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Station, plaintiff sergeants Dean Anderson, age 40, and Stan Cochran, age 46, reported evidence to their supervisors that white male supervisors at Foothill were being down-rated in their performance evaluations because of their race and gender. They also reported that acts of misconduct on the part of non-white officers at Foothill were not being investigated and punished while similar misconduct on the part of white male officers was vigorously prosecuted by the Department. The plaintiffs alleged that their superiors told them to "Shut up and stop their own investigations for their own good." The plaintiffs continued their reporting of misconduct. The plaintiffs claimed that, in retaliation, the LAPD "administratively transferred" the plaintiffs out of Foothill Station and labelled them disruptive and the cause of racial disharmony. The plaintiffs alleged that the stigma of racism accompanying their transfers denied them promotions, pay increases and assignments to coveted positions. The plaintiffs brought this action against the defendants based on violation of civil rights (42 USC º1983) and pursuant to California Labor Code º1102.5 (whistleblower statute).
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs made a settlement demand for $1.25 million. The defendants offered disability pensions for both sergeants.
Specials in Evidence
$310,420
Damages
Both plaintiffs claimed damages for loss of reputation and distress. Plaintiff Cochran attributed his hypertension to the stress resulting from being labeled a "racist" in a multi-ethnic police department.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately 22 months after the case was filed. A mediation was held before Linda Meyer. It did not resolve the matter.
Deliberation
five hours
Poll
9-0
Length
nine days
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