Rubio v. CIA Wheel Group
The court held that the $500,000 punitive-damage award in the wrongful-termination action was supported by substantial evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud, was not excessive under California law, and therefore affirmed the trial court's finding that the employer's officers and.
Date Filed: April 15, 2021
Case Name: Rubio v. CIA Wheel Group
Case Number: B300021
Court: California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight
(‘The Court of Appeal holds that the trial court’s $500,000 punitive‑damage award in the wrongful‑termination action is supported by substantial evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud and is not excessive under California law, affirming the finding that the employer’s officers and managers acted as “managing agents” who ratified the unlawful discharge. This decision underscores the appellate deference owed to trial courts on factual findings of high‑probability malice and on punitive‑damage calculations, and it clarifies that corporate officers can be held personally liable for punitive damages in public‑policy wrongful‑termination cases.’, ‘0493ebf7’)
This case summary was prepared for educational purposes. For the authoritative version, please refer to the full opinion or the official California Courts website.