Facts

Gloria Sheets was employed as a Humboldt County deputy district attorney until 2003 when she was fired. Sheets, who was in her 50s, suffered from lower back pain for which she had filed a workers' compensation claim. Sheets filed a lawsuit against the county claiming wrongful termination on the basis of disability.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff claimed that one day prior to being sent a letter of termination from the district attorney's office, she was placed on temporary total disability by her treating physician.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended that the plaintiff could be terminated at any time due to the fact that she was an at-will employee. The defendant also denied having terminated the plaintiff because of her disability. Rather, it claimed that the termination was in response to county-wide budget cuts.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff demanded $425,000 (decreased to $300,000 prior to trial). The defendant offered $25,001 in addition to credit for a workers' compensation settlement (C.C.P. 998).

Specials in Evidence

The plaintiff sought an amount between $560,000 and $650,000 for both past and future lost earnings.

Damages

The plaintiff sought damages for emotional distress. She also sought attorney fees.

Result

Defense verdict.

Deliberation

one hour

Length

six days