Khristi Camarlinghi v. The Harker School
Published: Nov. 23, 2004 | Result Date: Mar. 17, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 102CV809188 Verdict – $98,753
Judge
Court
Santa Clara Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
James L. Plummer
(technical)
Defendant
Margo Rich Ogus Ph.D.
(technical)
Bernard S. Rappaport
(medical)
Ronald W. Morrell
(technical)
Facts
In the autumn of 1998, plaintiff Khristi Camarlinghi, 29, began working as an administrative assistant for The Harker School, a private school located in San Jose. She alleged that she complained about rodent infestation in her work area from August 2000 to February 2001. In February 2001, she claimed that she notified the head of the school that she would file a report with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration if he did not hire a professional exterminator, which the school did. In July 2001, the plaintiff claimed that she observed school employees removing asbestos flooring in a classroom and she questioned her supervisor over whether a contractor should be performing the flooring removal. A few days later, she was terminated. The plaintiff sued the defendant and alleged wrongful termination and retaliation in violation of public policy.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $200,000; the defense offered $50,000.
Specials in Evidence
$850 (the plaintiff claimed she suffered emotional distress) $125,000 $198,000
Damages
The plaintiff requested punitive damages.
Result
The jury awarded the plaintiff $98,753 but did not award punitive damages.
Other Information
The plaintiff has filed a memorandum of costs and was awarded $12,994.
Deliberation
12 hours
Poll
9-3 (liability), 9-3 (damages), 9-3 (for the defense on punitive damages)
Length
10 days
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