San Diego Jury Awards $2.335 Million for Employment Discrimination Case

In a landmark decision, a San Diego jury has awarded a former employee of Sullivan Properties, Inc., doing business as Fairgrove Property Management, a staggering $2,335,000 in a case revolving around discrimination and wrongful termination. The lawsuit, spearheaded by attorney Zak Franklin of Franklin Law PC, centered on allegations of discrimination against Edgar Figueroa, who suffered a significant injury to his lower back while performing work duties.

Background of the Case

Edgar Figueroa, an exemplary employee, found himself at the center of a distressing situation after he was instructed by the head of HR to move a desk, resulting in a severe back injury. The injury qualified as a disability under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), prompting Figueroa to inform his employer and provide a doctor’s note that restricted him from lifting more than 15 pounds. He also sought permission to work remotely while recovering.

However, rather than engaging in a productive conversation about accommodations, reports indicate that the company’s HR representative exhibited skepticism towards Figueroa’s request, implying he was simply trying to exploit the situation for personal gain. This lack of support from his employer escalated the tension between Figueroa and Fairgrove, which ultimately led to a series of retaliatory actions.

Trial Highlights

During the trial, Figueroa’s legal team argued that instead of facilitating accommodations as required by law, the management at Fairgrove conspired to create false documentation to rationalize terminating him for poor performance. Testimony revealed that the head of HR actively sought to justify Figueroa’s dismissal just as he was on his way to receive emergency medical treatment.

In a surprising twist, Fairgrove’s Head of HR conceded on the witness stand that she had provided false testimony throughout the trial. On the opposite side, the CEO of Fairgrove maintained that the company managed Figueroa's circumstances “flawlessly,” a stark contradiction that did not sit well with the jury.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the jury rendered a powerful verdict: Figueroa was awarded $35,000 for lost wages, along with $1,000,000 in emotional distress damages and $1,300,000 in punitive damages, culminating in a total of $2,335,000. Additionally, Fairgrove will be responsible for covering Figueroa’s attorney fees, potentially increasing his overall recovery to more than $3,335,000.

Attorney Zak Franklin expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, asserting that this case sends a clear message: every employee, regardless of their position or tenure, is entitled to fairness and justice in the workplace. “Edgar is a hard worker who did everything asked of him until he became disabled. At that point, Fairgrove's leadership decided to discard him,” he stated.

Implications for Employment Law

This ruling is significant not only for Figueroa but for employees across various sectors, setting a precedent for how companies respond to workers with disabilities. It underscores the vital importance of accommodations and non-discrimination within the workplace, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and resources related to employee rights under employment law.

As the legal landscape evolves, cases like Figueroa's are crucial in holding companies accountable for their actions, ensuring a safer and equitable work environment for all.

Case Reference: Edgar Figueroa v. Sullivan Properties, Inc. d/b/a "Fairgrove Property Management", San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 37-2024-000012929-CU-WT-CTL.