Neely v. Weyerhaeuser Company, et al.
Published: Jan. 8, 2000 | Result Date: Nov. 2, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 693747 Verdict – $1,983,270
Judge
Court
San Diego Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Mark De Koster
(technical)
Colleen Harmon
(technical)
Roberta J. Spoon
(technical)
Defendant
Cary P. Mack
(technical)
Daniel Schmidt
(technical)
Facts
Plaintiff, now 53 years old, resigned his employment with Weyerhaeuser 10 months after the company assumed control of his previous employer. At that time, plaintiff had more than 24 years of experience operating commercial big rig lumber trucks. On the invitation of a Weyerhaeuser vice president, plaintiff sent a letter detailing his reasons for leaving the company, including criticisms directed to his immediate supervisors. Two months after that letter was sent, plaintiff applied for a truck driving position with Wal Mart, passing through the hiring process pending background checks. Wal Mart contacted plaintiff's former supervisor who gave a predominantly negative assessment in a hostile tone to Wal Mart which thereafter denied plaintiff employment. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant in violation of Labor Code Section 1050, interference with prospective economic advantage, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. Section 998 demand of $812,551. The defendant made no offers.
Specials in Evidence
$561,089
Other Information
PLEASE RESPOND BEFORE HOLIDAY SEASON, THIS IS FOR JAN. 7, 2000, EMPLOYMENT LAW SPECIAL ISSUE
Deliberation
two days (punitive damages), one day (compensatory damages)
Poll
11-1 (liability), 11-1 (compensatory damages), 10-2 (punitive damages)
Length
14 days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390