Employment

Customer service rep takes doctor-approved leave of absence for panic attacks; defendant says she abandoned her job and fires her. $750,000 offered before closing arguments. $21.8 million award.

Prison doctor of 15 years is fired and not told why; unanimous verdict on breach of contract against California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Plaintiff surgeon had treated females in two state prisons.

Plaintiff is terminated after he complains of his boss's drug use at work. Plaintiff contends that his boss's connections to lucrative clients and involvement in a company merger was major factor in plaintiff's being terminated.

Plaintiff claimed violations of safety regulations and wage/hour law after working many years for UPS. After a failed attempt at a class-action, plaintiff filed individual suit and encouraged many other managers to do the same. Plaintiff said he was fired after an incident fabricated by defendant. Jury awards substantial punitive damages.

Inventor says company unfairly cut his profit-sharing in product he developed, marketed and sold.  Company wrongly claimed he was an at-will employee.

Employer required hazardous materials truck driver to make deliveries in severe storm, then insisted he return for more after his shift even though he informed employer he had been drinking after work. He was fired for not returning to work.

Security company required guards to be "on duty" during rest breaks, violating Labor Code.  Award made by judge in summary judgment.

Plaintiff was fired from her job one day after requesting medical leave.

Physician's assistant in surgical unit says hospital ignored her repeated written complaints about verbal sexual harassment by doctors, lax safety practices and meal-and-rest breaks.