Firefighter Prevails with $4.1 Million Verdict in Wrongful Termination Claim Against City of West Covina

Employment Law

Larry Whithorn v. City of West Covina (Los Angeles Super Ct. No. 20STCV08916): Plaintiff Larry Whithorn, a 30-year employee of the city of West Covina was awarded a $4.1 million verdict in a wrongful termination and discrimination suit filed against his long-time employer. After working as a firefighter for many years for defendant City of West Covina, he was promoted to Fire Chief in 2014. He went on medical leave for a period of eight months in 2017, at which point he alleges that he started to experience harassment by the West Covina Firefighters Association, who targeted him with a vote of no confidence after his medical leave. He was ultimately terminated by the city in 2019 and filed a suit in March of 2020. Deliberation lasted 8 hours, with a jury awarding a total verdict of $4.1 million in total damages. Plaintiff was represented by Shegerian & Associates Inc. Defendant was represented by Thomas O’Connell.