Regents of the University of California Hit With $6.1 Million Employment Verdict

Employment Law

Hekmatollah Yosifi v. The Regents of the University of California (Los Angeles Super Ct. No. BC724191): On December 5, 2023 a jury entered a verdict of $6.1 million in favor of Plaintiff Hekmatollah Yosifi in a disability discrimination case that he filed against his former employer, Regents of the University of California. In the underlying matter, Plaintiff alleged that while working a position in an environment that was overworked and understaffed, he was injured on the job and was refused work accommodations associated with the restrictions caused by his injury. While on medical leave, his employers investigated inventory variances at the restaurants he managed and concluded that Plaintiff had been engaged in inventory fraud. Plaintiff was summarily terminated upon return from his leave of absence. Plaintiff sued, alleging that the termination was a pretext to terminate him based on his disability requirements. Plaintiff was represented by Shegerian & Associates Inc. Defendant was represented by Gordon & Rees LLP and Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP.