Confidential
Settlement – $75,000Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Jeffrey P. Thompson
(DeClues, Burkett & Thompson APC)
Facts
Deanna Johnson, a 46-year-old school psychologist, sued her employer, Temecula Valley Unified School District and the district's assistant superintendent, Richard Glock, for defamation. Johnson claimed that Glock e-mailed district administrators with his conclusion that Johnson was "irrefutably negligent" in failing to provide special education services to a traumatic brain-injured student four years prior. Johnson claimed the statement was false and malicious. She also claimed the statement came only after she had reported that the district was out of compliance with special education timelines. The defendants contended that the statement was opinion and privileged.
Settlement Discussions
Johnson demanded $34,000 and a written retraction and apology prior to the defendant's motion for summary judgment; C.C.P. Section 998 for $99,999 before trial, after motion for summary judgment as to defamation cause of action was denied.
Damages
Johnson claimed presumed and general damages for emotional distress and damage to reputation.
Injuries
Johnson claimed injuries consisting of emotional distress and damage to her reputation.
Result
$75,000 plus a retraction of the statement by author on record in court.
Other Information
The mediator was Charles D. Field.
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