Employment Discrimination Labor And Employment Law

In an ERISA case over denied mental health benefits, the court ruled for plaintiff Dan C., finding the Directors Guild of America–Producer Health Plan improperly denied coverage. The judgment orders payment of owed benefits with interest, allows attorney’s fees, and addresses breaches of fiduciary duties, parity law violations, and improper claim review practices.

Berta Cifuentes, a longtime employee at Costco’s Goleta warehouse, claimed she was wrongfully terminated after correcting a minor timekeeping error. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, she said the company ignored her requests for accommodations and used the clock-in discrepancy as a pretext to fire her. Cifuentes filed suit alleging disability discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. At trial, her attorneys presented surveillance footage and expert testimony suggesting the termination was pre-planned. Costco countered with arguments that she had violated company policy and had never formally requested accommodations. After deliberation, the jury sided with Costco on all claims, awarding no damages. The case highlighted complex issues around workplace disability rights, employer policies, and retaliation protections.

A Los Angeles jury awarded $27.5 million to Nancy Valla, a former nurse executive at St. Mary Medical Center, operated by Dignity Health. Valla alleged she was retaliated against and constructively terminated after pushing for suicide-prevention measures following a tragic death on hospital grounds. She also sought accommodations for PTSD and depression, which she claimed were denied. The jury found that Dignity Health had discriminated against her and failed to accommodate her mental health disability. The swift and unanimous verdict delivered a clear rebuke of the hospital’s treatment of a whistleblower and healthcare professional seeking workplace support.

On September 22, 2021, Plaintiff Lindsay Okownowsky filed a workplace discrimination and harassment lawsuit in the United States District Court, California Central (Case number: 2:22cv422). This case was assigned toJudge Mark C. Scarsi and referred to Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. Lindsay Okonowsky, a GS-12 Staff Psychologist at FCI Lompoc, a federal correctional institution under the Department of Justice, sued the U.S. Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for workplace discrimination and harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit stemmed from social media harassment by Lieutenant Steven Hellman, who managed an Instagram page called “8_and_hitthe_gate.” The page featured sexist and vulgar content, much of which directly targeted Okonowsky. Despite her repeated complaints, the Bureau of Prisons failed to take timely or e

On September 12, 2023, Plaintiff Jane Doe filed a workplace discrimination lawsuit in the United States District Court, Florida Southern (Case number: 1:23cv23497). This case was assigned to Judge Beth Bloom and referred to Ch. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres. On May 20, 2022, Jane Doe visited Tootsie's Cabaret, a strip club in Miami, to ask about employment as an entertainer. A manager named Christian hired her without requiring an audition. The next day, she filled out new hire paperwork. Another manager, Fernando Otero, gave her a tour of the venue. During the tour, Otero pointed out that the VIP rooms had no cameras. He then made a suggestive comment, implying that illicit activities were expected in those rooms. Shortly after starting work, Doe experienced a hostile work environment.

Princess Obienu filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against Los Angeles County, (erroneously sued as “County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services"). The lawsuit alleged racial and disability discrimination and wrongful termination which led to lost wages and emotional distress. The case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, with Judges Jon R. Takasugi and Richard E. Rico presiding. [Case number: 19STCV33111] Princess Obienu, an employee of Los Angeles County, began her role as a Health Education Assistant in December 2008. In June 2009, after completing her probationary period, Dr. Lakshmi Makam encouraged her to apply for a Health Educator position. However, the Department of Health Services (DHS) rejected her application, st

On October 05, 2022, Rebecca Edwards filed a lawsuit against Shelby County, Tennessee, claiming wrongful termination, retaliation, and discrimination due to her disability and requests for accommodations. She sought legal relief for violations of her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Constitution, and local civil service laws. The disability discrimination lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Tennessee Western (Memphis). Chief Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham presided over this case. [Case Number: 2:22cv2682]

On July 08, 2019, Tiare Ramirez filed a

On March 6, 2019, Plaintiff Tracy S. Sargent ("Sargent" or "Plaintiff") filed this civil rights lawsuit against SOC LLC ("SOC" or "Defendant"). She alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000(e), et seq. ("Title VII"). Specifically, she claimed discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. Sargent also brought a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress under District of Columbia common law. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, District of Columbia (Washington, DC). Judge Carl J. Nichols presided over this employment discrimination case. [Case Number: 1:19cv620]

Former employees of Sweet Fish Sushi Bar, Inc., Leny Cepeda, Lizette Coronado, and Marcel Tillman filed a wrongful termination lawsuit alleging employment discrimination and retaliation and violations of California labor and wage laws. The case was filed in the

Angel Alba filed an employment lawsuit against the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and his supervisor Lynette Brody. The lawsuit included claims of racial harassment, discrimination, and breach of contract among others. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Stephanie M. Bowick, Mark V. Mooney, and David J. Cowan presided over the case. [Case number: BC704225]

Thomas Weeks filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against the California Institute of Technology. The lawsuit included nine counts against the Defendant including wrongful termination, disability discrimination, retaliation, and negligent supervision. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Jill Feeney, Daniel M. Crowley, and Robert S. Draper presided over this case. [Case number: 20STCV38683]