Court Denies Nicollette Sheridan’s Appeal in Wrongful Termination Claim

In a recent ruling, a jury has denied former Desperate Housewives actress Nicollette Sheridan’s appeal in her wrongful termination lawsuit brought against the said television hit series creator, Marc Cherry and the ABC and Touchstone television.

As reported, the California Supreme Court chief justice, Tani Cantil Sakauye, sided with the hit series’ production staff and creator after she denied Sheridan’s appeal in the latter’s wrongful termination lawsuit.

In her own words, Cantil-Sakauye told media sources that the petition for review was denied and that the request for an order requesting depublication of the opinion was denied, she added. 

Consequently, the actress will now have to exert more efforts to prove that her dismissal from the show was indeed a violation of state labor laws.

It could be remembered that the actress originally filed for wrongful termination, battery, and other charges including sexual harassment and assault against the above-said defendants in April, 2010. In her lawsuit seeking $20 million in damages, she claimed that Cherry hit her head while on the set of the hit TV series. Unfortunately for Sheridan, the presiding judge dropped several charges and left the wrongful termination claim.

Last August, the California Court of Appeal ruled that the actress can no longer pursue a cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy after it determined that she was not really fired, discharged, or terminated but rather, her contract was just not renewed.

Nevertheless, the court further noted in its 10-page ruling that although it had finally put an end to the actress’ lawsuit, Sheridan would still be allowed to file an amendment lawsuit claiming retaliation. In addition, her damages would only be limited to her lost wages.

Apparently, her appeal did not successfully bring her the due compensation she was searching for after it was denied by the court. Although rumors have it that the actress responded with her appeal to the California Supreme Court, it is not yet known whether the case will be returned to the court of appeal.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer is quite impressed with Sheridan’s courage in pursuing her case even though her co-stars in the show have previously showed their support in favor of the production team and its creator.