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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

Victoria Graves v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., et al.

Published: Mar. 2, 1996 | Result Date: Nov. 14, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: EC14014 –  $0

Judge

Charles W. Stoll

Court

L.A. Superior Glendale


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Arnold W. Schwartz

Lee R. Feldman
(Feldman Browne Olivares APC)


Defendant

Thomas P. Brown
(Brown Gitt Law Group ALC)

Judith L. Baxter


Experts

Plaintiff

Benjamin Trott
(medical)

Defendant

Francine B. Kulick
(medical)

Facts

The plaintiff, Victoria Graves, a 27-year-old cashier at the defendant, Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. ("Home Depot") alleged that she was terminated on August 8, 1993, in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment by the defendant store manager. The plaintiff brought this action based on unlawful discrimination, assault and battery, breach of employment contract, termination in violation of public policy, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a $7,000,000 settlement demand and the defendants made a $20,000 offer.

Specials in Evidence

$20,000 $30,000

Damages

The plaintiff claimed $500,000 (emotional distress damages).

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed that she suffered emotional distress as a result of the sexual harassment.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and eleven months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on November 18, 1994, before volunteer attorneys under Judge Stohl of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Deliberation

1 hour and 20 minutes

Poll

12-0

Length

7 days


#78743

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