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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment

Nohemi Enriquez v. Edward Jenkins, et al.

Published: Jul. 19, 1997 | Result Date: Jun. 2, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: YC015466 Verdict –  $262,000

Judge

Homer L. Garrott

Court

L.A. Superior Torrance


Attorneys

Plaintiff

James H. Goudge


Defendant

Michael S. Damsky


Experts

Plaintiff

Star Vega
(medical)

Facts

In February 1990, plaintiff Nohemi Enriquez, a 23-year-old woman, was hired as a front office manager for defendant Edward Jenkins Property Management. The plaintiff contended that she was constructively wrongfully terminated from her employment because defendant Edward Jenkins sexually harassed her on innumerable occasions both verbally and physically throughout the course of her employment. The plaintiff also contended that defendant Jenkins and his property management company discriminated against African-Americans, Arabs and Hispanics in the renting of apartments and single family residences. The plaintiff resigned from employment on Sept. 30, 1991. The defendants denied that sexual harassment occurred and that defendants Edward Jenkins and Edward Jenkins Property Management discriminated on the basis of race or ethnicity in the rental of housing units. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on constructive wrongful termination in violation of fundamental public policy, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, sexual harrassment and intentional infliction of emtional distress theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $250,000. The defendants made no settlement offers.

Specials in Evidence

$5,900 $81,000

Damages

The plaintiff asked the jury to award $336,900 in damages.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed she suffered emotional distress, depression and an adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately four years and three months after the case was filed. POST TRIAL MOTIONS: The plaintiff filed a cost bill of $214,720.04, including $76,590.14 in prejudgment interest and $127,280 in attorney's fees pursuant to Government Code º12965(b). A settlement conference was held on June 20, 1994 before Judge Robert Hight of Torrance Superior Court. It did not resolve the matter.

Deliberation

2 2/3 hours

Poll

12-0

Length

12 days


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