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Employment Law
Sexual Harassment
Assault

Anna Kirakosian v. Hayk Hairapetian, et al.

Published: Nov. 9, 2004 | Result Date: Jul. 12, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: EC031339 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Lillian M. Stevens

Court

L.A. Superior Glendale


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Varoujan P. Nalbandian

Richard L. Garrigues


Defendant

Alfred Klein


Facts

The plaintiff was employed as a part-time receptionist in the defendant's dental office. She alleged that she was forced to quit after being subjected to sexual harassment and that the defendant assaulted her by chasing her in his car and engaged in intentional infliction of emotional distress by leaving her messages afterwards.

Settlement Discussions

On July 29, 2002, the plaintiff accepted a settlement offer of $7,500, plus the waiving of sanctions and an unrelated small claims court judgment against her parents. She later claimed that her parents had not agreed to the dismissal of the small claims court judgment against them. (The court held that their agreement was required because they were parties to the settlement.) The settlement agreement was enforced by Hon. Laura Matz but was reversed on appeal. The plaintiff demanded $50,000 and the defendant offered $10,000. During trial, the plaintiff demanded $150,000; and in closing arguments, the plaintiff demanded $300,000.

Other Information

The plaintiff's demand for a new trial was denied. The defendant's motion for attorney fees was denied but the defendant was awarded statutory costs of $5,737.

Deliberation

two hours

Poll

12-0 (sexual harassment), 12-0 (constructive wrongful termination), 12-0 (assault), 12-0 (intentional infliction of emotional distress)

Length

11 days


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