Featured Employment Law Settlement

Allison Trebacz, et al. v. Facebook Inc. (San Mateo Super Ct. No. 18CIV05135): On September 14, 2021, Facebook agreed to the terms of a $52 million settlement to resolve a class action case filed by Facebook employees who were hired as “Content Moderators”. Content Moderators were tasked with reviewing and removing graphic, inappropriate and questionable content posted by Facebook users on the social media platform, including such content as rape, torture, and beheadings. The class members sued Facebook, alleging that they suffered PTSD and psychological damages from being subjected to such traumatic content. Plaintiffs further alleged that Facebook failed to implement industry standards to protect Content Moderators and that Facebook failed to provide plaintiffs warnings, support, and other safeguards which to mitigate the psychological damages they suffered. Facebook denied all allegations. In addition to monetary compensation, Facebook also agreed to implement workplace reform measures to help protect Content Moderators from future harm. Plaintiffs were represented by Joseph Saveri Law Firm Inc.; Burns Charest LLP; and the Law Office of William Most.