A California jury awarded Jane Mootz $800,000 in non-economic damages for retaliation she suffered at the hands of her employer the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Mootz a correction officer claimed that her supervisors harassed and discriminated against her because of her sexual orientation, failed accommodate her disability, and failed to engage in the interactive process. Mootz further alleged that her supervisors retaliated against her after she complained about these actions.
The jury found for Mootz on her claims of: (1) retaliation for filing a claim of discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA); and (2) failure to prevent harassment under Government Code, section 2940(k). The jury awarded Mootz no economic damages, but awarded her $400,000 in non-economic damages (anxiety, humiliation and emotional distress) for each cause of action. A copy of the jury verdict is available here: Download mootz_verdict .
Following the verdict, the court also awarded the plaintiff $442,440 in attorney fees and $60,123 in costs. A copy of the order awarding attorney fees is available here, and the order awarding costs is available here.
If you are interested in this case, there are tons of documents available. The order denying the defendant’s judgment notwithstanding the verdict is available here. Other documents, including the motions in limine, jury instructions and special verdict forms are available on the court’s website. (Under “Case # Format” click “other” and then enter this case number: 05AS04214)
Finally, it appears that the parties attempted to mediate this case following the verdict but it was unsuccessful, so the defendant will be appealing.
--Michael Sachs
I received my first home loans when I was a teenager and this supported my family very much. However, I need the credit loan once again.
Posted by: Keisha23HEBERT | October 15, 2010 at 08:03 AM