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In Mullins v. Miller, et al., the plaintiff alleged the Indiana Department of Health discriminated against him on account of his disability. After a two-day federal jury trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of state defendants on all claims and against the plaintiff, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 14th Amendment Equal Protection claims, saving taxpayers an estimated $130,000.
In another case, Gerlach v. Todd Rokita, et al., plaintiffs alleged the state wrongfully withheld interest earnings on unclaimed property, violating the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause. The court dismissed all claims for damages, attorneys’ fees, and just compensation—a decision upheld on appeal—saving taxpayers over $5 million.
Led by Chief Counsel Patricia Orloff Erdmann, the Litigation Division represents the state, its agencies, officials, and employees in state and federal courts. Organized into four specialized sections, she said the division handles a wide range of complex cases with precision and efficiency.
“As the state’s law firm, our dedicated deputies vigorously defend our laws and public servants, ensuring that Hoosiers’ hard-earned money remains where it belongs – in their pockets,” Erdmann said. “The significant savings and recoveries we’ve achieved for our state are a testament to the teamwork of our office and division sections managed by Section Chiefs Aaron Ridlen, Adrienne Pope, Heather Crockett and Thomas Bright.”
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