Kathryn Dieter v. County of Lassen, Superior Court of the County of Lassen, Judge Stephen Bradbury, Janice Heid and Ted Sandlin
Published: Jan. 8, 2000 | Result Date: Sep. 15, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CIVS972395MLS Verdict – $3,466,160
Judge
Court
USDC Eastern
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Thomas C. Thomas
(technical)
Mary Ann Kim
(medical)
Defendant
Martine Ajwa
(technical)
Bates Huffaker
(medical)
Facts
Plaintiff Kathryn Dieter was employed by the defendant county of Lassen in the probation department for 35 years. In 1984, she was promoted to the position of Chief Probation Officer. The plaintiff received an excellent performance evaluation from Judge Joseph Harvey on Jan. 3, 1997. On Jan. 6, 1997, when the plaintiff was 54 years old, Judge Stephen Bradbury replaced Judge Harvey. Three days after Judge Bradbury took over, the plaintiff's employment was terminated. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant county and Judge Bradbury based on wrongful discharge and age discrimination theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $500,000. The defendants made a settlement offer of $150,001
Damages
The plaintiff did not specify an amount for damages for emotional distress and damage to her reputation, but left it to the discretion of the jury. The plaintiff claimed damages of $166,159 for past and future wage benefit loss.
Other Information
A settlement conference was held on June 4, 1999, before Magistrate Judge Gregory G. Hollows resulting in the reported settlement discussions. The verdict was reached approximately one year and nine months after the case was filed.
Deliberation
4½ hours
Poll
7-0
Length
26 days
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