Odelia Braun v. City and County of San Francisco
Published: Apr. 26, 1997 | Result Date: Apr. 11, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 969799 – $612,000
Judge
Court
San Francisco Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Barbara A. Lawless
(Lawless, Lawless & McGrath)
Defendant
Patrick J. Mahoney
(JAMS)
Experts
Plaintiff
Paul S.D. Berg
(medical)
Alison Dowse
(medical)
Margo Rich Ogus Ph.D.
(technical)
David B. Downie
(medical)
Martin Blinder M.D.
(medical)
Elaine W. Ehrman
(medical)
Rhoma D. Young
(technical)
Defendant
Mark A. Cohen
(technical)
James R. Missett
(medical)
Facts
In 1988, plaintiff Odelia Braun, a physician, was hired as defendant San Francisco Fire Department's part-time emergency medicine medical director. The plaintiff claimed that during her tenure, the department never gave her an office, a telephone, "necessary office supplies" or the use of a Fire Department vehicle. The plaintiff claimed she also experienced discriminatory comments by some of the defendant department's personnel, such as "No girl is going to tell me how to run my department." In the spring of 1994, the plaintiff complained of discirmination to the City Attorney's office. Thereafter, the plaintiff claimed department officials began excluding her from meetings and told other personnel not to meet with her without prior clearance. The plaintiff was laid off in May 1994. The plaintiff claimed that in July 1994, she was replaced by a man with less experience and fewer qualifications. The plaintiff claimed her replacement was paid $62.50 an hour, compared with the plaintiff's $46 an hour, and received an office and use of a car. The plaintiff brought this action against the city and county of San Francisco based on sex discrimination and retaliation theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The settlement discussions were not disclosed.
Specials in Evidence
$400,000 to $1.7 million (disputed)
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged she suffered emotional distress.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately two years after the case was filed. A mediation was held before John Bates of JAMS/Endispute and a settlement conference was held before Judge William Cahill. Neither resolved the matter.
Deliberation
5 days
Poll
___________ (# pls.)
Length
12 weeks
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