Sammie Plessel v. Hi-Shear Corporation, et al.
Published: Apr. 9, 1994 | Result Date: Mar. 25, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC001133 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Torrance
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Henry J. Josefsberg
(Law Office of Henry J. Josefsberg)
Experts
Plaintiff
Michael P. Ward
(technical)
Defendant
Sinclair E. Hugh
(technical)
Alan Keltz
(technical)
Facts
Plaintiff Sammie Plessel, was a 47-year-old director of industrial relations for Defendant Hi-Shear Corporation. On April 10, 1989, Defendant Leo Ragan began as Hi-Shear Corporation's new president. Because he took medication for his arthritis, his drug screen test came back positive. Plaintiff reported the result of that test to her superiors. Over the next few weeks, Defendant Ragan evaluated Plaintiff's work as unreliable and of low quality for the position. On May 16, 1989, Defendant released Plaintiff, citing a number of reasons, including the drug test incident. Plaintiff had been with Defendant corporation for 3.5 years at the time.
Settlement Discussions
Defendants contend they offered $10,000 at trial and Plaintiff demanded $95,000; withdrawn at trial. Plaintiff contends her demand remained at $95,000 throughout the litigation and Defendant offered $5,000 increased to $10,000 during trial.
Specials in Evidence
$129,000 to $187,000 range (May 16, 1989 through 1998)
Damages
Economic.
Other Information
The case-in-chief and the cross-claim both relied in part on so-called "after acquired" evidence; that is, evidence discovered only post-termination.
Deliberation
2 days
Poll
9-3 Complaint, 12-0 in Plessel's favor, on Cross-complaint
Length
2 weeks
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390