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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination
Age Discrimination

Jerome Nava v. County of Contra Costa

Published: Mar. 22, 1997 | Result Date: Feb. 11, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: C942127SC –  $0

Judge

Samuel Conti

Court

USDC Northern


Attorneys

Plaintiff

William Hooy


Defendant

Joyce B. Ladar

Jerrold M. Ladar

Bernard Knapp


Experts

Defendant

Thomas Gardner
(technical)

Facts

On Nov. 30, 1993, plaintiff Jerome Nava, a 57-year-old chief of alcohol services, was allegedly laid off due to a merger of his position with other positions. The plaintiff claimed he was laid off due to age discrimination. The defendant claimed the lay-off was legitimate and necessary because of the merger and budget reductions and that the plaintiff's age was not considered. The plaintiff brought this action against defendant Contra Costa County (his employer) based on an age discrimination theory of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $_________. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $____________ .

Specials in Evidence

$327,702 $313,215

Damages

The plaintiff alleged $2 million in damages, including lost earnings and benefits and lost pension benefits.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed emotional distress.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately three years and six months after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on Nov. 27, 1995 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Wayne Brazil. It did not resolve the matter. A motion for new trial was filed on Feb. 20, 1997. The trial was bifurcated on a defense motion. Per the defendants, the jurors said they were particularly impressed by Dr. Gardner's testimony as it made a very complicated subject - public financing of county government - understandable and clear. The defendant has filed a bill of costs.

Deliberation

2+ hours

Poll

9-0

Length

7 days


#79379

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