Alice Lee, et al. v. China Airlines Ltd., James Feng
Published: Nov. 18, 2003 | Result Date: Sep. 4, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC279278 Verdict – $297,814
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Charles Ted Mathews
(Mathews Law Group)
Defendant
Thomas T. Liu
(Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw & Pittman LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Ted Vavoulis
(technical)
Defendant
Flor Geola
(medical)
Mae Lon Ding
(technical)
Samuel Black
(medical)
William Ackerman
(technical)
Facts
The plaintiffs were all long term employees in the accounting department of the Cargo Division of China Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport. The plaintiffs claimed that they were subject to age discrimination, harassment by their managers and failure to pay overtime and they complained internally and later with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. At a meeting in June 2002, the plaintiffs alleged that the general manager threatened their lives if they continued to pursue litigation. In August 2002, they filed the subject lawsuit and claimed discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In February 2003, the company suspended the plaintiffs without pay for an indefinite period. The plaintiffs amended their complaint to add causes of action for retaliation and violation of public policy. The plaintiffs were never reinstated up to the time of the trial.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiffs demanded $2,250,000; the defendants offered $150,000.
Result
Defendants Danny Chien, Paul Kao and the majority of the causes of action were dismissed pursuant to summary judgment. Defendant James Feng was found not liable. China Airlines was found liable to plaintiffs; compensatory damages totaled $297,814.
Other Information
The plaintiffs have filed a motion for attorney fees and costs. The plaintiffs' demand for punitive damages was denied.
Deliberation
three days
Length
six days
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