Court Reinstates Award to Worker Who Alleged Abuse

A state appeals court, reversing a lower court ruling, has reinstated an $870,000 jury award to a former Amplicon Inc. employee who alleged that the Santa Ana company’s top executive struck him and dragged him out of an office during an argument.

The 4th District Court of Appeal said the former worker, J. Scott McFetters, can accept the money or opt for another trial before a different Orange County Superior Court judge.

After a jury awarded $870,000 to McFetters, Superior Court Judge David Brickner declared the award a “gross egregious injustice,” slashing the amount to $5,000.

McFetters filed a lawsuit in 1995 alleging that he had been wrongfully terminated from the computer-leasing firm after months of physical abuse and intimidation by Patrick E. Paddon, the company’s chief executive.

The suit also alleged breach of contract, false imprisonment and assault and battery. All but the assault and battery allegations were dismissed early in the trial, however.

The appellate court ruled that Brickner was in error in dismissing the other allegations, adding that they would be included if McFetters decides on a new trial.

Amplicon officials Monday expressed disappointment with the ruling, insisting that McFetters’ allegations are “completely without merit.” The company will await McFetters’ decision before deciding its next move.

McFetters could not be reached for comment Monday.