On Feb. 15, 2007, plaintiff Tracy Allen, 45, the Vice President of Loan Origination for OneUnited Bank in Los Angeles, was terminated from her employment. Allen claimed she was terminated in retaliation for refusing to falsely testify at a wage hearing and for complaining to the bank that it did not have fixed lending criteria. Allen sued One United Bank for retaliation. OneUnited Bank contended that it conducted a reduction in force, which resulted in the layoffs of several employees, including Allen. It also contended that it did not retaliate against Allen in any manner and that its decision to reduce staffing was based on legitimate business reasons having to do with the bank experiencing a significant drop in loan volume., Allen claimed she suffered emotional distress as a result of the loss of her job. She also claimed she was unable to find work after her termination. Thus, Allen sought recovery of $6.5 million in general damages, consisting of pain, suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, future employability and damage to credit. She also sought recovery of $800,000 in lost earnings, fringe benefits, and out of pocket expenses. In addition, Allen sought recovery of $6 million in attorney fees and $10 million in punitive damages. Defense counsel noted that Allen did not seek treatment for her emotional distress.