The Law Office of John P. Sheridan

We represent victims of corporate and government abuse and discrimination. Our clients are whistleblowers, persons of color, persons who speak with accents, women, persons with disabilities, gay workers, older workers, persons who have been exposed to toxic chemicals, and persons who have been fired for exercising their rights.

"We fight those who abuse power and make them accountable in front of a jury."
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HANFORD WHISTLEBLOWERS WIN!
SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS $7.3 MILLION DAMAGE AWARD
Brundridge v. Fluor Federal Services

September 4, 2008

Today the Washington State Supreme Court rejected Fluor’s appeal of the 2005 $4.8 million jury verdict, now worth more than $7.3 million with attorney fees and interest, awarded in favor of eleven Hanford pipe fitters who were fired by Fluor after some of them refused to install an underrated valve in a pipeline that was to carry highly toxic waste. Others were terminated by Fluor for supporting the original pipe fitters or for testifying truthfully as witnesses.  The pipe fitters filed whistleblower retaliation claims with the Department of Labor after being terminated.  In that forum, their ability to obtain evidence from Fluor and third parties to prove their case was limited.  In 1999, the pipe fitters filed a civil suit in Benton County Superior court for wrongful discharge and left the Department of Labor forum after determining that procedural weaknesses in the forum would not ensure a fair

The Supreme Court ruled that Fluor waived its right to raise its main argument because it failed to raise the argument at the trial court.  The Court also ruled that the trial court properly allowed the jury to hear testimony of other Fluor employees who had been victims of discrimination because it was relevant to show Fluor’s retaliatory intent. 

Jack represented these plaintiffs at trial and on appeal.  With interest, the total judgments plus attorney fees now exceed $7.3 million.  The pipe fitters have finally been fully compensated for Fluor’s attempt to punish them for standing up for safety.  We should all be proud of these Hanford heroes who had the courage to report unsafe conditions that put all Tri-City families at risk and the courage to fight for justice to the end: Scott Brundridge, Chuck Cable, Dave Faubion, Don Hodgins, Jessie Jaymes, Clyde Killen, Pete Nicacio, Shane O”Leary, Ray Richardson, Jimmy Stull, and Randy Walli.  They and others like them help keep Hanford safe!  Congratulations!

Click here for copy of 9/4/08 Supreme Court opinion. Click here for the 12/21/07 brief and Appendix 4 (DOE Attorney Carosino Declaration stating Fluor and DOE share “common interest” in litigation and DOE communications with Fluor are subject to attorney client privilege).  Click here to view a video of the oral argument.  Click here to view newspaper article.

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TRINH AND BAILEY RACE HARASSMENT CLAIMS ARE AFFIRMED BY COURT OF APPEALS!
SEATTLE CITY LIGHT DELAYS PAYMENT OF $1.5 MILLION JUDGMENT BY FILING PETITION TO SUPREME COURT

September 4, 2008

Today Seattle City Light filed a petition to the Washington State Supreme Court alleging that the Court of Appeals wrongly affirmed the jury’s verdict on racial harassment ground in favor of Plaintiffs Phi Trinh and Mattie Bailey.  The Court further affirmed the Phi Trinh’s verdict of $947,290.00 ($772,000 as damages for emotional harm). The jury awarded Mattie Bailey $503,195.00 ($462,000 as damages for emotional harm), but the Court sent her case back to the trial court to reevaluate the damages having found that one of her claims was outside the statute of limitations. Jack represented these plaintiffs at trial and on appeal.

The Court of Appeals opinion depicts ten years of success and job satisfaction by Mr. Trinh and Ms. Bailey under Superintendents Hardy and Bradley followed by ten years of discrimination and harassment under Superintendents Zarker and Carrasco.  Click here to see Court of Appeals opinion.  Click here to view the TRB brief.  Click here to view trial coverage by the Seattle Times And Seattle Post Intelligencer.  Click here to view the Trinh judgment and verdict and the Bailey judgment and verdict documents.

The Supreme Court need not accept review.  However, Ms. Bailey may ask our State Supreme Court to review the statute of limitations decision, because it was based on a disfavored federal Supreme Court ruling applicable only to plaintiffs suing under federal law, which Congress may overturn in the future, and which our State Supreme Court likely will not follow.

Jack Sheridan and his staff represent :

  • Employees who have been
    • Subjected to discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion or age;
    • Subjected to discrimination based on disability;
    • Sexually harassed;
    • Subjected to a hostile work environment;
  • Whistleblowers;
  • Victims of toxic exposure.

Jack Sheridan is also available to assist other attorneys with trials.

If you think we may be able to help you, call us at 206-381-5949 or click on the "Contact Us" button at the left. Perhaps we can help you fight back.