Problem 

Our case began with a relatively benign automobile accident within the course and scope of employment of a construction/maintenance employee in 2008.  The employee was injured while en route to one of his employer’s auto parts stores.  Following the accident, he filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits.  About a year later, he filed claims under the Labor Code asserting serious and willful misconduct by the employer and discrimination.  Along the way, the employee became a former employee after threatening to “put a bullet” in the head of his employer.

Solution 

Despite numerous efforts to settle these claims and after the former employee fired his attorney, the case ultimately went to trial before a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge.  But, before that trial, we held a bench trial before the Nevada County Superior Court on a full restraining order on behalf of the employer and the owner based upon the death threat.  Fortunately, Archer Norris successfully prosecuted the restraining order. 

Result 

We were escorted at the trial on the serious and willful misconduct and discrimination claims by the California Highway Patrol and an armed client.  Fortunately, the trial ended in a finding for the defense and no further injuries for anyone.

Needless to say, our client is very pleased with the results obtained by lead attorney Lisa Estabrook and the other lawyers who persevered through the unusual challenges presented by this trial, Mike McGuire and Jason Rose.