Keiffer
Keiffer v. Bechtel Corp.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Jones, J.
Bechtel Corporation terminated its employee, Thaddeus Keiffer, during a period of corporate “downsizing.” Keiffer was informed of his termination on October 4, 1994. After filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and receiving a right-to-sue notice, Keiffer brought this action against his former employer. A trial was held on the merits and the jury found for Keiffer on his claims of age discrimination, breach of an implied contract to terminate only for cause and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The jury awarded Keiffer $322,975 in compensatory damages, $225,000 in emotional distress damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. Bechtel challenges the jury’s verdict on each of the three claims and challenges the award of punitive damages. We affirm.
I. Factual Background *
II. Discussion
A. The Age Discrimination Claim
1. The jurisdiction issue.
To bring a civil action under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), a person must first file a claim with the DFEH within one year of *896 the date upon which the alleged act of discrimination occurred. (Gov. Code, § 12960.) Bechtel raises for the…