Reno judges overturns $503,000 jury award in wrongful termination case

Washoe District Judge Jerome Polaha last week ruled in favor of the district in the case involving former employee Ron Richey.

Polaha ruled that Richey waived his ability to bring the claim when he was covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Richey attorney Stephen Healy didn't immediately return phone calls to comment on whether his client would seek a new trial.

"If (Richey) doesn't file for a new trial, the case will be done," said district lawyer Stephen Balkenbush.

Richey worked for the district's utility department for nearly 20 years before he was given bad performance reviews and terminated in 1996.

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