Ronald Summers v. Tosco Refinery Co., Phillips Petroleum Co.
Published: May 25, 2004 | Result Date: Feb. 17, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV0202544 Verdict – $0
Facts
Plaintiff Ronald Summers, who is black, worked for over 20 years at the Conoco Phillips refinery (formerly Unocal and later Tosco). He filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), alleging racial discrimination by a supervisor who made an inappropriate racial comment. The claim was settled. The plaintiff later filed new charges with the EEOC and the DFEH, alleging that he was not considered for a promotion. While the charge was pending, the plaintiff was one of five individuals interviewed and evaluated for the promotion. The selection committee, made up of two blacks, one Asian, one Hispanic and one white, rated one of the candidates slightly higher than plaintiff. That candidate was given the promotion. The plaintiff sued Tosco Refinery Co. and Phillips Petroleum Co., alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $500,000, plus other non-monetary demands. The defendants offered $7,500 with an indication of more.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed lost income in excess of $700,000, plus damages for emotional distress and punitive damages.
Result
The jury returned a defense verdict.
Deliberation
30 minutes
Poll
7-0
Length
six days
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