Workplace Rights Enforcement

A Sacramento jury delivered a sweeping verdict for Dr. Beth Fischgrund, concluding that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation unlawfully retaliated against her after she reported workplace misconduct and safety issues. The jury found that Dr. Fischgrund’s protected whistleblower activity triggered a series of adverse employment actions, culminating in significant professional and personal harm. The panel also determined that CDCR defamed her during the conflict, further damaging her reputation and career prospects. After evaluating the evidence, the jury awarded a total of $13.88 million for lost earnings, future economic harm, emotional distress, and reputational damage. The case underscored the legal protections afforded to employees who report unsafe or improper governmental conduct in California.

In 2021, General Nurse Keila García Colón filed a lawsuit against the Corporation of the State Insurance Fund (CSIF) in Puerto Rico, alleging sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation during her employment. The key claim centered on retaliation after García engaged in protected conduct by reporting harassment. The jury found that the CSIF had retaliated against García, creating a hostile work environment. On the verdict, the jury awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages for emotional and mental distress caused by the retaliation. While punitive and other damages were left to the Court’s later determination, the verdict represented a significant victory for García and a reminder of the legal protections against workplace retaliation and discrimination under Title VII and Puerto Rico law.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued The Princess Martha, LLC and affiliates after Sarah Branyan, a disabled applicant, was denied a job without proper accommodation. Branyan requested adjustments for the application process, but the company refused. The EEOC argued this violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Defendants denied discrimination and claimed no feasible adjustment existed. After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, a Florida jury found Branyan qualified and The Princess Martha negligent. The jury awarded $5,083 in lost wages, $50,000 for emotional harm, and $350,000 in punitive damages, reinforcing employers’ responsibility to engage in good-faith accommodation efforts.

Anne L. Olear, a veteran teacher with 46 years in Waterbury schools, claimed the district misled her into retiring and then discriminated against her by refusing to rehire her after posting her position. She argued her age was the real reason she lost the job, while the district insisted it followed standard hiring procedures. After a trial in November 2024, a jury found no evidence that age played a role in the decision. The verdict went to the Waterbury Board of Education, leaving Olear without damages in her discrimination and misrepresentation lawsuit.

A Connecticut jury sided with former Hartford police officer Alfred Lassen in his lawsuit against the City of Hartford. Lassen claimed the City refused to rehire him because of his narcolepsy and because he had previously filed discrimination complaints. After reviewing testimony, employment records, and expert evidence, the jury found that the City had discriminated against him and retaliated in violation of the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act. The verdict awarded him $61,350 in economic damages and $53,250 in noneconomic damages, totalling $114,600.