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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Racial Discrimination

Jeffrey Lane, David Villalpando v. Hughes Aircraft Company

Published: Nov. 12, 1994 | Result Date: Oct. 24, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC075519 –  $89,525,000

Judge

Malcolm H. Mackey

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Amy Ardell

Ian I. Herzog
(Herzog, Yuhas, Ehrlich & Ardell, APC)


Defendant

James S. Bryan


Facts

Plaintiff Jeffrey Lane, now a 38-year-old black engineer, had been employed by Defendant Hughes Aircraft Company since 1977 and assigned to its space and communications group. He had attended USC on a scholastic scholarship after growing up in South Central Los Angeles and received a B.S. degree (from USC) in physics in early 1979. His IQ is alleged to be 130 to 135. On January 6, 1992, Plaintiff Lane took a medical disability leave from stress at work. His supervisor at the time was Plaintiff David Villalpando, also 38 years of age. Plaintiff Villalpando resigned in March of 1992, unable to supervise.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiffs contend that no firm offers were asserted before, during, or after litigation; and Plaintiffs made 998 demands of $5,000,000 for Lane and $3,000,000 for Villalpando.

Damages

Lost wages past and future; $3,500,000 general damages claimed by Jeffrey Lane; $200,000 claimed by David Villalpando.

Injuries

(As claimed by Plaintiffs) Lane: Emotional distress displayed through Epstein Barr and chronic fatigue syndrome resulting in permanent disability. Villalpando: Emotional distress making him want to avoid supervisorial employment.

Deliberation

3 days for each of 3 phases, 9 total days

Poll

12-0 liability and malice, 10-2 Lane compensatory, 12-0 Villalpando compensatory, 10-2 punitive

Length

2 months


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