Randall Haslam v. Santa Barbara County Education Office
Published: Nov. 29, 1997 | Result Date: Jun. 5, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: SB214091 – $80,000
Judge
Court
Santa Barbara Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
James H. Cordes
(James H. Cordes and Associates)
Defendant
Edward P. Zappia
(The Zappia Law Firm APC)
Experts
Plaintiff
Karen Lynn Smith
(technical)
Defendant
David J. Weiner M.B.A., AM
(technical)
Facts
In March and July 1996, plaintiff Randall Haslam, a 44-year-old accountant, was interviewed by defendant Santa Barbara County Education Office for the position of Account Clerk I and Account Clerk II. The plaintiff had 15 years of experience in accounting. He received the highest score on the written examination for the two positions. According to defendant, plaintiff tied for the highest score. The plaintiff was not hired based on his subsequent oral interview. The plaintiff had cerebral palsy which affects his speech. The plaintiff then brought this action against defendant for employment discrimination based on physical disability.
Settlement Discussions
According to plaintiff, the court assisted the parties in reaching a tentative settlement of $50,000 to $60,000 but defendant did not approve it.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed loss of earnings of an unspecified amount.
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged emotional distress.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on February 25, 1997, before the Hon. Ronald C. Stevens of the Santa Barbara Superior Court. It did not resolve the matter. The court ruled that the reason plaintiff was not hired was because of his speech. The court found that plaintiff was the best qualified candidate and could have performed the job with reasonable accommodation. The court awarded plaintiff $54,520 in fees and $9,200 in costs. Defendant appealed the court's decision and settled thereafter for $127,841.
Deliberation
under submission: one month
Length
five days
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