Therapy Misconduct Suit Settled for $1.5M
Table of Contents
Case Background
Sharon L. Anderson, an African American woman, sought therapy from Christopher Earl, a Los Angeles County mental health therapist. She relied on his services for ten years, primarily to cope with her son’s death. The events in dispute occurred during October 2020, when Earl was employed by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
Cause
In mid-October 2020, Anderson alleged that Earl made inappropriate personal remarks during a therapy session and asked improper questions. Later, he contacted her over video and made comments about her private activities. She also shared medication with him, and he purchased shoes for her. On October 28, 2020, Anderson claimed Earl hugged her in an overly intimate manner. These actions formed the basis of her claims of misconduct and abuse of trust.
Injury
Anderson stated that Earl’s conduct left her feeling disrespected and unsafe. She reported emotional shock, distress, and even thoughts of self-harm following the incidents. She alleged that the experiences caused severe psychological harm and damaged her trust in the County’s mental health services.
Damages
Anderson sought compensation for mental and psychological pain, emotional suffering, and physical distress. She also claimed loss of income, medical expenses, and costs for future crisis management and therapy. In addition, she demanded punitive damages against Earl to address his alleged misconduct.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Sharon L. Anderson
Counsel for Plaintiff: Jeffrey Alan Armour | Douglas Duran Shaffer
Defendant(s): County of Los Angeles | Christopher Earl | Does 1 through 100 Inclusive
Counsel for Defendants: Mitzie L. Dobson | Jon F. Monroy
Claims
Anderson filed four causes of action. First, she alleged professional negligence, claiming Earl’s misuse of therapy methods led to sexual misconduct. Second, she asserted general negligence against the County for improper hiring, training, and supervision of Earl and Helen Chang. Third, she alleged battery, arguing Earl touched her intentionally and offensively without consent. Finally, she claimed intentional infliction of emotional distress, citing outrageous conduct that caused severe psychological harm.
Defense
Defendant Christopher Earl generally denied all allegations in the Second Amended Complaint, including any liability for damages. He asserted that Plaintiff’s claims failed to state a cause of action and were barred by applicable statutes of limitation under the Code of Civil Procedure and Government Code provisions. He further argued that Plaintiff did not comply with mandatory government tort claim requirements and failed to mitigate damages.
Earl raised multiple affirmative defenses, including comparative negligence, sole negligence of Plaintiff, and fault of other individuals or entities. He invoked statutory immunities under Government Code §§ 820.2 and 855.8, as well as absolute and qualified immunity. He also challenged claims for punitive damages under Code of Civil Procedure § 425.13 and sought to limit damages pursuant to Civil Code §§ 3333.1–3333.2 and Code of Civil Procedure § 667.7. Earl requested apportionment of liability proportional to his share, if any.
Settlement
The case concluded with a settlement of $1,500,000, resolving all claims between Plaintiff Sharon L. Anderson and Defendant Christopher Earl along with the County of Los Angeles, without admission of liability.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com