Page 1 —
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351 California Street, Suite
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DAVID A. LOWE (SBN 178811)
dal@rezlaw.com
MEGHAN F. LOISEL (SBN 291400)
mfl@rezlaw.com
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF & LOWE, LLP
Telephone: (415) 434-Facsimile: (415) 434-
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NO
San Francisco, CA
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
ThisPage 5 —_—
PD
lot and give him a hand job. She felt extremely uncomfortable and immediately rejected him.
angry, anxious, afraid, and uncomfortable, both at work and even outside of work.
wearing baggie clothes to try to avoid drawing attention to herself.
She began
Ms. Curran had been excited to work in her first job after high school, and she
she got sick, possibly with COVID-19.
unbearable — she felt that no job was worth being sexualized and insulted, and she did not feel
safe in an environment where men were treating her that way.
The thought of going back to the factory after that was
Therefore, she felt like her only
viable option was to quit and look for a different job.
20.
About a month later, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and Ms. Curran was out of
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Sexual Harassment in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code §§ 12940 ef seq.)
21.
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
Ms. Curran was jointly employed by Tesla and her staffing agency.
She spent all
of her work time at Tesla’s facility, where she was supervised by a Tesla employee who harassed
her, and where Tesla controlled the working conditions at issue in this case.
23.
Ms. Curran was subjected to severe and pervasive harassing conduct from her
Supervisor and colleagues because she is a woman.
As detailed above, this severe, pervasive, and harassing conduct included near-
NO
DO
unwanted attempts by her Supervisor to touch her back-side.
25.
Ms. Curran’s circumstances constituted a hostile work environment.
NO
N
daily obscene comments and catcalls of an objectifying. demeaning, and sexual nature, and
26.
The sexual advances and comments directed to Ms. Curran were unwelcome.
NO
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work for nearly two years.
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thought she might really excel at Tesla and start a career there.
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The behavior that Ms. Curran experienced made her feel depressed, ashamed,
BR
18.
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male co-worker mentioned this to Ms. Curran and asked if she wanted to join him in the parking
27..
Defendant is strictly liable for the sexual harassment because it was conducted by
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGESPage 6 performance, and discipline her.
28.
—_—
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Tesla knew or should have known of the rampant sexual harassment directed at
Ms. Curran because the behavior was committed and/or witnessed by Supervisors and Leads and
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Ms. Curran’s Supervisor, who had authority to direct Ms. Curran’s work activities, evaluate her
was generally known to and tolerated by Tesla.
Yet Tesla failed to take immediate and
NO
appropriate corrective action.
OB
Ms. Curran has suffered pain and suffering and continues to suffer severe emotional distress,
oO
As a direct, foreseeable, and proximate result of Tesla’s unlawful actions,
including shame, anxiety, embarrassment, stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
oOo
29.
be proven at the time of trial.
30.
Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety.
notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
Tesla managing agents were on
Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Failure to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code § 12940(k))
31.
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
32.
Tesla failed to take immediate preventative and corrective steps reasonably
calculated to prevent the sexual harassment of Ms. Curran.
33.
workplace.
34,
Tesla knew or should have known of the rampant sexual harassment in its
As a direct. foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant's unlawful actions.
Ms. Curran has suffered pain and suffering and continues to suffer severe emotional distress.
including shame. anxiety. embarrassment. stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
be proven at the time of trial.
/I/
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGESPage 7 WwW
to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla managing agents were on
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notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
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with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
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Under California Government Code § 12940, it is an unlawful employment
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37.
practice for an employer to discharge an employee or to discriminate against an employee in
terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. because of her sex.
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forth herein and alleges as follows:
38.
Defendant discriminated against Plaintiffby subjecting her to working conditions
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Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as iffully set
to which men were not subjected — including the above-described unlawful treatment — based
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(Discrimination in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code §§ 12940 ef seq.)
upon her sex. Plaintiff was denied terms and privileges granted to men —i.e., a workplace free of
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Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
sex-motivated negative treatment.
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alternative except to resign.
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Asa direct. foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful actions.
Ms. Curran has suffered economic loss. pain and suffering and severe emotional distress,
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41.
including shame, anxiety. embarrassment. stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
be proven at the time of trial.
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Ms. Curran resigned because of the working conditions alleged above.
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intolerable that a reasonable person in Plaintiff's position would have had no reasonable
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intentionally created and knowingly permitted sexual harassment of Plaintiff
that was so
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Plaintiff. Tesla. through its officers. managing agents, and/or supervisory employees.
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By engaging in the above unlawful conduct, Defendant constructively discharged
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39.
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Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
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42.
Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully.
with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGESPage 8 =
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damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
(Wrongful Termination in Violation of Public Policy)
43.
44.
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Defendant’s termination and/or constructive discharge of Ms. Curran violated the
fundamental public policy of the State of California embodied by FEHA that employers shall not
discriminate against or harass employees on the basis of sex.
45.
i:
NO
Ms. Curran has suffered economic loss, physical injury, pain and suffering and severe emotional
S,
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As a direct, foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful actions,
distress, including shame, anxiety, embarrassment, stress. and indignity. all to her damage in an
seeds
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Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
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notice of and ratified the offending conduct. Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
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to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla managing agents were on
amount to be proven at the time of trial.
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with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
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to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla’s managing agents were on
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Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
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damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
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WHEREFORE.
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PRAYER FOR RELIEF
l.
Ms. Curran prays for judgment against Tesla as follows:
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‘For punitive damages as allowed by law:
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attorneys’ fees;
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emotional distress:
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but not limited to, salary and bonus wages), equity. fringe benefits. future lost earnings: and
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Forcompensatory damages, including but not limited to. lost back pay (including.
/// -
For an award to Ms. Curran of costs of suit incurred herein and reasonable
COMPLAINT
FOR
DAMAGESPage 9 —
For prejudgment interest and post-judgment interest permitted by law; and
PD
5.
For an award of such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
DATED:
December 14,
Respectfully submitted,
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF & LOWE, LLP
ON
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WH
4.
By: LZ
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THE JHAVERI-WEEKS
FIRM
WILLIAM C. JHAVERI-WEEKS
ALLY N. GIROUARD
Attorneys for Plaintiff Michala Curran
DEMAND
FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by jury on all causes of action and/or issues so triable.
DATED:
December
14,
Respectfully submitted,
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF
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MEGHAN F. LOISEL
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DAVID A/LOWE
MEGHAN F. LOISEL
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THE JHAVERI-WEEKS
WILLIAM C. JHAVERI-WEEKS
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Attorneys for Plaintiff Michala Curran
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FIRM
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
PDF Page 1
PlainSite Cover Page
PDF Page 2
—
DD
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KR
351 California Street, Suite 700
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DAVID A. LOWE (SBN 178811)
dal@rezlaw.com
MEGHAN F. LOISEL (SBN 291400)
mfl@rezlaw.com
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF & LOWE, LLP
Telephone: (415) 434-9800
Facsimile: (415) 434-0513
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OB
NO
San Francisco, CA
94104
WILLIAM C. JHAVERI-WEEKS (SBN 289984)
wjw@jhaveriweeks.com
ALLY N. GIROUARD (SBN 336625)
ag@jhaveriweeks.com
THE JHAVERI-WEEKS FIRM
351 California Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94104
Telephone: (415) 463-8097
Facsimile: (415) 367-1439
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Michala Curran
SUPERIOR COURT
FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY
OF ALAMEDA
“10V004049
woe!
MICHALA
CURRAN.
ORE
gs.
Case No.
Plaintiff,
_~
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
VS.
TESLA, INC. WHICH WILL DO BUSINESS
IN CALIFORNIA AS TESLA MOTORS.
INC., a Delaware Corporation: and DOES |
through 20. inclusive.
DEMAND
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
FOR JURY TRIAL
=
December 13, 2021.
Plaintiff obtained a notice of Right-to-Sue on the same date prior to filing
Tesla hired Ms. Curran through a third-party staffing agency in approximately the
She was placed at a station applying paint to car bodies.
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ON
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13.
beginning of December 2019 as a Production Associate working on the factory floor in Fremont.
At the start and end of shifts, she and
other employees at her station would change into and out of bodysuits in a booth next to the line.
14.
Ms. Curran’s supervisor was a man named Ron [last name unknown].
Ron
harassed Ms. Curran throughout her time at Tesla. When Ms. Curran had to change out of her
bodysuit in the booth, she would notice that Ron would be right behind her just watching her as
she took off her bodysuit.
While she was changing, Ron made comments to her about her body,
including telling her she had a “big butt,” that she should “shake [her] ass,” and that she “should
dance” (i.e., work as a stripper).
On approximately two occasions, Ron attempted to slap
Ms. Curran’s behind, generally as she was taking off her body suit. Ms. Curran would dodge his
hand and move away quickly.
15.
Ron’s behavior made Ms. Curran extremely uncomfortable, but because he was
her Supervisor, and she was young and new to her job, she was scared to complain to anyone.
=|—
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included “Oh, this white bitch has ass;” “That white bitch was there — she has hella ass:” “she’s
PRO
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hella thick;” “your tits are small. but you have a big ass:” and general hollering comments such as
PR
NY
“hey come over here.” Men would make these comments when she was right in front of them.
clearly intending for her to hear.
a culture in the factory in which male workers brazenly made sexual comments about thé bodies
of female employees passing by.
of comments
Ms. Curran did not know these men’s names — there was simply
On one occasion. a male co-worker who was stationed in her work area that day
RN
Nn
17.
Specific examples
propositioned Ms. Curran to engaged in a sexual act with him in Tesla’s parking lot. Ms. Curran
NO
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PR
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Men would also stare at her in a creepy and suggestive way.
LP
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Other men on the factory floor made sexual comments about her on a daily basis.
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FACTS COMMON TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION
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this lawsuit.
had previously heard that Tesla employees would have sex in the parking lot of the factory.
,
2
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
This
PDF Page 6
—_—
PD
lot and give him a hand job. She felt extremely uncomfortable and immediately rejected him.
angry, anxious, afraid, and uncomfortable, both at work and even outside of work.
wearing baggie clothes to try to avoid drawing attention to herself.
She began
Ms. Curran had been excited to work in her first job after high school, and she
she got sick, possibly with COVID-19.
unbearable — she felt that no job was worth being sexualized and insulted, and she did not feel
safe in an environment where men were treating her that way.
The thought of going back to the factory after that was
Therefore, she felt like her only
viable option was to quit and look for a different job.
20.
About a month later, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and Ms. Curran was out of
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Sexual Harassment in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code §§ 12940 ef seq.)
21.
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
Ms. Curran was jointly employed by Tesla and her staffing agency.
She spent all
of her work time at Tesla’s facility, where she was supervised by a Tesla employee who harassed
her, and where Tesla controlled the working conditions at issue in this case.
23.
Ms. Curran was subjected to severe and pervasive harassing conduct from her
Supervisor and colleagues because she is a woman.
As detailed above, this severe, pervasive, and harassing conduct included near-
NO
DO
unwanted attempts by her Supervisor to touch her back-side.
25.
Ms. Curran’s circumstances constituted a hostile work environment.
NO
N
daily obscene comments and catcalls of an objectifying. demeaning, and sexual nature, and
26.
The sexual advances and comments directed to Ms. Curran were unwelcome.
NO
Oo
NM
BR
24.
MW
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NPB
Ww
DYMO
Ye
NM
FF
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22.
DYMO
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work for nearly two years.
ww
DT
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WO
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PDH
uu
AB
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About two months into the job,
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thought she might really excel at Tesla and start a career there.
oO
NO
19.
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The behavior that Ms. Curran experienced made her feel depressed, ashamed,
BR
18.
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male co-worker mentioned this to Ms. Curran and asked if she wanted to join him in the parking
27..
Defendant is strictly liable for the sexual harassment because it was conducted by
4
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
PDF Page 7
performance, and discipline her.
28.
—_—
KR
Tesla knew or should have known of the rampant sexual harassment directed at
Ms. Curran because the behavior was committed and/or witnessed by Supervisors and Leads and
oO
W
DN
Ms. Curran’s Supervisor, who had authority to direct Ms. Curran’s work activities, evaluate her
was generally known to and tolerated by Tesla.
Yet Tesla failed to take immediate and
NO
appropriate corrective action.
OB
Ms. Curran has suffered pain and suffering and continues to suffer severe emotional distress,
oO
As a direct, foreseeable, and proximate result of Tesla’s unlawful actions,
including shame, anxiety, embarrassment, stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
oOo
29.
be proven at the time of trial.
30.
Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety.
notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
Tesla managing agents were on
Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Failure to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code § 12940(k))
31.
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
32.
Tesla failed to take immediate preventative and corrective steps reasonably
calculated to prevent the sexual harassment of Ms. Curran.
33.
workplace.
34,
Tesla knew or should have known of the rampant sexual harassment in its
As a direct. foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant's unlawful actions.
Ms. Curran has suffered pain and suffering and continues to suffer severe emotional distress.
including shame. anxiety. embarrassment. stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
be proven at the time of trial.
/I/
5
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
PDF Page 8
WwW
to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla managing agents were on
KR
notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
oO
=|
DY
with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
OO
NN
Under California Government Code § 12940, it is an unlawful employment
=X
hl
37.
practice for an employer to discharge an employee or to discriminate against an employee in
terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. because of her sex.
WO
hUuhLlUl
forth herein and alleges as follows:
38.
Defendant discriminated against Plaintiffby subjecting her to working conditions
KR
hm
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as iffully set
to which men were not subjected — including the above-described unlawful treatment — based
TN
er
36.
PDP
oOo
O
OD
(Discrimination in Violation of FEHA, Gov. Code §§ 12940 ef seq.)
upon her sex. Plaintiff was denied terms and privileges granted to men —i.e., a workplace free of
WD
ss
Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
sex-motivated negative treatment.
DA
=>
alternative except to resign.
FF
KN
Asa direct. foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful actions.
Ms. Curran has suffered economic loss. pain and suffering and severe emotional distress,
oO
PN
NO
41.
including shame, anxiety. embarrassment. stress, and indignity, all to her damage in an amount to
be proven at the time of trial.
Nn
RP
Ms. Curran resigned because of the working conditions alleged above.
Oo
NR
40.
Oo
KR
KR
PO
intolerable that a reasonable person in Plaintiff's position would have had no reasonable
NY
intentionally created and knowingly permitted sexual harassment of Plaintiff
that was so
Wo
Plaintiff. Tesla. through its officers. managing agents, and/or supervisory employees.
O
By engaging in the above unlawful conduct, Defendant constructively discharged
DOD
39.
PRO
N
ss
Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
FF
=|&—
35.
42.
Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully.
with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
6
COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES
PDF Page 9
=
DY
WwW
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
(Wrongful Termination in Violation of Public Policy)
43.
44.
Oo
So
Defendant’s termination and/or constructive discharge of Ms. Curran violated the
fundamental public policy of the State of California embodied by FEHA that employers shall not
discriminate against or harass employees on the basis of sex.
45.
i:
NO
Ms. Curran has suffered economic loss, physical injury, pain and suffering and severe emotional
S,
w
As a direct, foreseeable, and proximate result of Defendant’s unlawful actions,
distress, including shame, anxiety, embarrassment, stress. and indignity. all to her damage in an
seeds
&
ait
=
—
Plaintiff hereby incorporates by reference the previous paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein and alleges as follows:
ODO
NN
OD
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notice of and ratified the offending conduct. Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
oO
to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla managing agents were on
amount to be proven at the time of trial.
—
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with the wrongful intention of injuring Ms. Curran, from an improper and evil motive amounting
—
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to malice, and in conscious disregard of her rights and safety. Tesla’s managing agents were on
=
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Tesla committed the aforementioned acts despicably, maliciously, and willfully,
notice of and ratified the offending conduct.
wc
oO
—
on
46.
damages from Tesla in an amount according to proof.
Ms. Curran is thus entitled to recover punitive
NO
=
WHEREFORE.
NO
Nh
NO
>)
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
l.
Ms. Curran prays for judgment against Tesla as follows:
NO
wo
3.
oO
-
‘For punitive damages as allowed by law:
NO
N
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attorneys’ fees;
NO:
@
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on
emotional distress:
nN
oO
but not limited to, salary and bonus wages), equity. fringe benefits. future lost earnings: and
Ro
A
Forcompensatory damages, including but not limited to. lost back pay (including.
/// -
For an award to Ms. Curran of costs of suit incurred herein and reasonable
7
COMPLAINT
FOR
DAMAGES
PDF Page 10
—
For prejudgment interest and post-judgment interest permitted by law; and
PD
5.
For an award of such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
DATED:
December 14, 2021
Respectfully submitted,
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF & LOWE, LLP
ON
Oo
oO
KR
WH
4.
By: LZ
Oo
THE JHAVERI-WEEKS
FIRM
WILLIAM C. JHAVERI-WEEKS
ALLY N. GIROUARD
Attorneys for Plaintiff Michala Curran
DEMAND
FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by jury on all causes of action and/or issues so triable.
DATED:
December
14, 2021
Respectfully submitted,
RUDY, EXELROD, ZIEFF
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WDA
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eD——hUmuDhhhlUuOhhLhUlUlUhLhlUlUlhClUl
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DAVID/A LOWS.
MEGHAN F. LOISEL
PDO
FD
fied
& LOWE. LLP
_
UA a
By:
PR
NY
LP
F
DAVID A/LOWE
MEGHAN F. LOISEL
NR
Ww
THE JHAVERI-WEEKS
WILLIAM C. JHAVERI-WEEKS
PR
F
ALLY N. GIROUARD
Attorneys for Plaintiff Michala Curran
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FIRM
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COMPLAINT
FOR DAMAGES