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Top Verdicts of 2023

Community College Employee Awarded $2 Million in Retaliation Law Suit

Levi Miller v. Desert Community College District (Riverside County Super Ct. No. PSC1904248): On October 27, 2022 a jury awarded a $2 million verdict to Levi Miller, a part-time instructor who filed a retaliation law suit against his employer Desert Community College District. In the underlying matter, Miller claimed that he was erroneously removed as Coordinator for the college without warning, and that he was later denied a full-time teaching position despite being the most qualified for it. He pursued multiple grievances that were denied and ultimately filed suit for retaliation. Defendant denied the allegations and contended that Miller was never a full-time employee. Plaintiff was represented by the Mathews Law Group.

Firefighter Prevails with $4.1 Million Verdict in Wrongful Termination Claim Against City of West Covina

Larry Whithorn v. City of West Covina (Los Angeles Super Ct. No. 20STCV08916): Plaintiff Larry Whithorn, a 30-year employee of the city of West Covina was awarded a $4.1 million verdict in a wrongful termination and discrimination suit filed against his long-time employer. After working as a firefighter for many years for defendant City of West Covina, he was promoted to Fire Chief in 2014. He went on medical leave for a period of eight months in 2017, at which point he alleges that he started to experience harassment by the West Covina Firefighters Association, who targeted him with a vote of no confidence after his medical leave. He was ultimately terminated by the city in 2019 and filed a suit in March of 2020. Deliberation lasted 8 hours, with a jury awarding a total verdict of $4.1 million in total damages. Plaintiff was represented by Shegerian & Associates Inc. Defendant was represented by Thomas O’Connell.

Jury Awards Terminated Executive $4.8 Million Verdict in Whistleblower Case

Wendy Cunning v. Skye Bioscience, Inc. (CA Central District No. 8:21-cv-00710-DOC-KES): Plaintiff Wendy Cunning was awarded $4.8 in in a case she filed in April of 2021, alleging federal and state whistleblower retaliation against her former employer Skye Bioscience, Inc. Plaintiff alleged that she was terminated from her role as Senior Vice President of business operations after she complained of insider trading, investor fraud and self-dealing. Defendant denied all contentions, claiming that plaintiff was fired for legitimate reasons. Plaintiff was represented by the Altus Law Firm. Defendant was represented by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC.


Packing Company Westrock Services, LLC Hit With $9.4 Million Wrongful Termination Verdict

Lowry McCray v. WestRock Services LLC, et al. CA Central District No. 2:21-cv-09853-DMG-RAO): On August 24, 2023 a jury entered a verdict of $9.4 million in favor of Plaintiff Lowry McCray, a 27 year employee of WestRock Services LLC. While out on medical leave, plaintiff submitted a doctor’s return-to-work medical note requesting work accommodations for his mental disability associated with adverse treatment he allegedly received in the workplace that his employer never addressed. Rather than grant the accommodation request, his position was terminated. Plaintiff sued, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. Plaintiff was represented by Bernji Law Firm APC. Defendant was represented by Gordon & Rees LLP.

Jury Issues $2.8 Million Verdict Against City of Riverside in Retaliation Case

Shawn Casteel v. City of Riverside (Riverside County Super Ct. No. RIC 1906046): On September 7, 2023 a jury entered a verdict of $2.8 million in favor of plaintiff Shawn Casteel, a former employee of the Riverside Police Department after he filed a retaliation law suit against the City of Riverside. In the underlying matter plaintiff alleged that the City of Riverside imposed unlawful citation and arrest quotas on police officers as a means of determining a benchmark for performance. Despite complaining about the unlawful practices to his superiors, plaintiff was subject to a variety of disciplinary actions throughout the course of his employment including poor performance evaluations. The verdict entered in favor of plaintiff was entirely for non-economic damages. Plaintiff was represented by McNicholas & McNicholas LLP. Defendant was represented by Debra L. Cook, in-house counsel for the City of Riverside.

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