Sgt. Tera White v. County of Los Angeles, a political subdivision of the State of California; Pat Valdez, an individual; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; 2011 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 212847
Sgt. Tera White v. County of Los Angeles, a political subdivision of the State of California; Pat Valdez, an individual; and Does 1 through 100, inclusive; 2011 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 212847
BC 399-254
March 17, 2011
Headline: California Court Awards $ 202,700 After Trial In Action By Female Employee Alleging County Employer Sexually Harassed Her And Discriminated Against Her Based On Sex
Party Names
Plaintiff(s):
White, Sgt. Tera
Defendant(s):
County of Los Angeles, a political subdivision of the State of California
Valdez, Pat
Does 1 through 100, inclusive
Topic: Civil Rights – Labor And Employment
Injury: Discrimination; Loss Of Civil Rights; Harassment
Method of Resolution: Trial
Case Resolution: For Plaintiff
All Dates: 10/02/2008 Complaint
12/02/2008 Amended Complaint
03/11/2009 Answer to Amended Complaint
01/19/2011 Jury Trial
02/01/2011 Jury Verdict
03/17/2011 Judgment on Jury Verdict
State: California
Court: California Superior Court, Los Angeles County
Plaintiff Counsel
Okorie Okorocha
Firm Name: California Legal Team
Address: 117 East Colorado Boulevard Suite 465 Pasadena California 91105
Michael F. Baltaxe
Firm Name: Law Offices of Michael F. Baltaxe
Address: 31365 Oak Crest Drive, Suite 220 Westlake Village California 91361
Phone: (818) 889-0050
Defendant Counsel
Tomas A. Guterres
Firm Name: Collins, Collins, Muir & Steward
Address: 1100 El Centro Street South Pasadena California 91030
Phone: (626) 243-1100
Catherine M Mathers
Firm Name: Collins, Collins, Muir & Steward
Address: 1100 El Centro Street South Pasadena California 91030
Phone: (626) 243-1100
Tomas A. Guterres
Firm Name: Collins, Collins, Muir & Steward
Address: 1100 El Centro Street South Pasadena California 91030
Phone: (626) 243-1100
Catherine M Mathers
Firm Name: Collins, Collins, Muir & Steward
Address: 1100 El Centro Street South Pasadena California 91030
Phone: (626) 243-1100
Judge: Yvette M. Palazuelos
Case Summary
Sgt. Tera White was a female employee of the County of Los Angeles in California. Allegedly, White’s supervisor, Lt. Pat Valdez, sexually harassed White by engaging White in sexual conversations, touching White’s body in a sexual manner, attempting to forcibly kiss White and engage her in sexual conduct, calling her personal cell phone, and telling her to meet him off-duty. He also allegedly told White that she would go nowhere in her job if she did not acquiesce to his sexual advances. After White complained to Valdez and the County, she was allegedly retaliated against by being denied a promotion in lieu of a less qualified male and by being given low scores on her promotion tests though her performance on the tests was spectacular. White filed charges of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
On Oct. 2, 2008, plaintiff White filed suit against defendants, the County, Valdez, and Does 1 through 100, inclusive, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. In an amended complaint on Dec. 2, 2008, White alleged claims under the Fair Employment and Housing Act for sexual harassment in violation of Cal. Gov’t Code $ S 12940(j), sex discrimination in violation of Cal. Gov’t Code $ S 12940(a), retaliation for opposing discrimination and harassment in violation of Cal. Gov’t Code $ S 12940(h), and failure to prevent discrimination and harassment in violation of Cal. Gov’t Code $ S 12940(k).
Defendants answered the complaint, denying the material allegations. The County also asserted that it was a public entity immune from liability, that its actions were taken in accordance with established policies and procedures without discriminatory intent, and that a prompt investigation of White’s complaints resulted in a finding of no evidence of discrimination or retaliation.
A jury trial was held before Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos, beginning on Jan. 19, 2011. The jury returned a special verdict on Feb. 1, 2011 in favor of White, awarding $ 211,700. The court entered judgment on March 17, 2011, awarding $ 202,700.
Award: $ 202,700
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