Vital Verdicts
Employment — Executive’s firing was justified, judge says
A judge rejected the discrimination claims of a company executive who claimed he was fired over his fear of flying. Anthony Kuchta, then 39, was the vice president of sales in North America for Neopost Inc. Kuchta had a fear of flying that the company attempted to accommodate until February 2003 when the his position was eliminated and replaced with a vice president of direct sales position requiring frequent travel. Kuchta turned down the job and two others, claiming they were not comparable. Negotiations broke down and in May 2003, Kuchta was terminated. Kuchta claimed his fear of flying was the sole reason for his firing.
Neopost claimed that travel was necessary for the new position. Kuchta v. Neopost Inc., No. RG05232874 (Superior Court of Alameda County, Alameda, CA) 4/18/2007
Plaintiffs' Attorney(s) Daniel L. Feder, Law Offices of Daniel Feder, San Francisco, CA
Defense Attorney(s) James R. Ballard, Schwartz Semerdjian Haile Ballard & Cauley LLP, San Diego, CA
California Jury Verdicts Weekly
Written by Rob MacKay
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