San Diego Jury Sends a Clear Message: $11 Million Awarded in Workplace Discrimination Case

A San Diego jury has made it clear: workplace discrimination and retaliation will not be tolerated. In a monumental decision, the jury recently awarded $11 million to a former employee of Sycuan Casino Resort who suffered retaliation after raising concerns about unlawful workplace practices. This verdict stands as a powerful reminder to employees everywhere that you have rights—and when those rights are violated, the law is on your side.

At WorkRight Law, we are dedicated to fighting for employees who have experienced unfair treatment, harassment, or retaliation. If you’re facing workplace injustice, this case proves that justice can be achieved.

The Case at a Glance

In this landmark case, the employee, a former restaurant manager, alleged she was unlawfully terminated in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct. The employer attempted to justify her termination with claims of poor performance, but the jury saw the truth. They found the employer liable for retaliation, whistleblower retaliation, and a failure to prevent discrimination and harassment—violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Labor Code.

The verdict, reached in fall 2024, included:

• $6 million in emotional distress damages

• $5 million in punitive damages

Punitive damages are designed to punish employers for egregious misconduct and send a clear message: employees’ rights must be respected.

What This Means for You

At WorkRight Law, we know how hard it can be to stand up to your employer when you’re facing discrimination or retaliation. But California law protects you. Employees are safeguarded from:

• Retaliation for reporting harassment, discrimination, or workplace misconduct (Labor Code §1102.5)

• Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected characteristics (Gov. Code §12940)

• Hostile work environments or sexual harassment

• Wrongful termination in violation of public policy

If you’ve experienced any of these, you have legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and even punitive damages to hold your employer accountable.

Employers often have powerful legal teams, but at WorkRight Law, we fight for the rights of employees—the “little guy.” With nearly two decades of experience representing workers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination cases, we are committed to aggressive advocacy and ensuring justice for our clients.

If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, don’t wait. Time limits apply to most employment claims, so it’s important to act quickly. Contact WorkRight Law for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.

Call us at (562) 760-8803 to schedule a free consultation today. Let’s fight for your rights together.

References:

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (Gov. Code §12940)

• California Labor Code §1102.5

This case shows what’s possible when employees take a stand. At WorkRight Law, we’ll stand with you every step of the way to hold employers accountable and create workplaces where fairness and justice prevail.