Facts

Plaintiff, a single mother of three boys worked as a teacher for a non-profit school in Long Beach. Plaintiff became pregnant and began her leave at the end of Oct. 2008. Three days into her leave, defendant initiated the process to terminate her health insurance.

In Jan. 2009, plaintiffs' health insurance was cancelled and defendant notified its COBRA administrator that plaintiff had been fired. Plaintiff made repeated attempts to contact the defendant but defendant refused to communicate with her. Plaintiff filed suit alleging pregnancy discrimination, retaliation and failure to prevent a workplace free from discrimination.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that defendant terminated her health benefits and employment during her maternity leave. Because of the cancellation of health insurance, she was unable to get a return to work note from her doctor at the conclusion of her leave. Defendant used this to say plaintiff abandoned her job. Over the course of the following two years, plaintiff claimed that defendant falsified and manipulated documents, which evidenced their liability.

Settlement Discussions

Defendant refused to go to mediation. Defendant did not make an offer during the course of litigation to settle the case.

Result

Plaintiff's verdict for $250,000 ($50,000 in lost wages, $125,000 in emotional distress, and $50,000 in punitive damages). The jury found that defendant's conduct was done with malice, oppression or fraud.

Other Information

Plaintiff is filing a motion for attorney fees.

Deliberation

four hours

Length

six days