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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SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENT ON FLUOR’S APPEAL OF HANFORD PIPE FITTER WHISTLEBLOWER JURY VERDICT
Brundridge v. Fluor Federal Services

January 17, 2008

Today the Washington State Supreme Court heard oral argument on Fluor’s appeal of the 2005 $4.8 million jury verdict 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 a witness.  In 2000, the pipe fitters left the Department of Labor administrative forum, which provides for a hearing before an administrative law judge, after determining that procedural weaknesses in the forum would not ensure a fair hearing. 

Jack Sheridan represented the eleven pipe fitters at trial and on appeal.  After a six week trial, the jury awarded damages totaling $4.8 million, and the trial judge ordered an additional $1.5 million in attorney fees.  Fluor’s attorney fees in defending the case were paid to Fluor’s attorneys by the Department of Energy.  Fluor appealed the jury verdicts arguing that the pipe fitters should have been forced to remain in the federal administrative forum under federal law instead of being allowed to bring their cases to the Benton County Superior Court under state law. 

On appeal, Jack argued that if the Court does not permit whistleblowers like the pipe fitters to bring their claims to state court, future Hanford whistleblowers who find the federal administrative forum to be inadequate may not stand up for safety or to protect the environment.  He noted that one of the reasons Hanford workers may not trust the federal forum is because the Department of Energy actively supports and pays for Hanford contractors like Fluor in opposing whistleblower claims.  See attached 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).  See also the pipe fitters’ brief to Division III Court of Appeals.  See newspaper article.

The pipe fitters are hopeful that the Court will announce its decision in 2008.  Although Fluor has been paid for their legal expenses, the pipe fitters have not been paid for their damages and their attorneys have not been paid for their services dating back to 1999 owing to the appeal. Click here to view a video of the oral argument.

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TRINH AND BAILEY APPELLATE BRIEF DEPICTS A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT AND A DECADE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE AT SEATTLE CITY LIGHT

December 31, 2007

Today Plaintiff Phi Trinh and Mattie Bailey filed their responsive brief in the City’s appeal of their February 2007, $1.48 million verdict against the City of Seattle for discrimination and for creating a hostile work environment at Seattle City Light, the City’s public utility.  The brief 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.  The brief contains extensive citation to the trial transcript, which is almost 4,000 pages, and which contains the testimony of the dozens of witnesses called in the six week trial.  Click here to view the TRB brief, and here to view the city's opening brief.  The trial transcript and trial exhibits may be viewed at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division One, 600 University St., One Union Square, Seattle, WA 98101, under case number 59763-9-I.

Click on the following links to view Seattle Times And Seattle Post Intelligencer coverage or view the Trinh judgment and verdict and the Bailey judgment and verdict documents.

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.