California law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees who are disabled or struggle with health conditions. Sometimes, employers are unwilling to make such accommodations. They may instead terminate employees.
This might have happened to an Agoura Hills couple. They are now taking legal action to remedy the situation.
Spouses Doug Olson, 68, and Linda Bell, 73 had spent years managing an Agoura Hills mobile home park not far from California (where our firm is located) until they lost their jobs in 2020. Olson and Bell believe that they lost their jobs because their employer was unwilling to address certain concerns they had brought up regarding their personal health and safety.
Specifically, the couple claims they had explained to management that numerous residents of the mobile home park had abused and harassed them at various times. They claim that some trespassers and guests of residents had also treated them in this manner. Despite bringing up these concerns, the couple says that management made little effort to protect them.
The Woolsey Fire of 2018 and the Covid-19 pandemic added to the struggles Olson and Bell faced. Due to exposure to hazardous conditions associated with the fire as well as exposure to the coronavirus, Olson and Bell developed health problems and required significant medical care.
In June 2020, according to Olson and Bell, they lost their jobs unexpectedly and were ejected from their homes. They claim they were still recovering from illnesses at the time.
The couple states that their employer justified their termination by explaining that several of their duties had been eliminated. However, they say they were promptly replaced with younger employees who now perform the same duties. It is their belief that they were replaced by younger employees because of their age and health needs. It’s possible their employer did not want to provide them with the necessary accommodations that would allow them to do their jobs safely and comfortably.
As of this writing, it remains unclear whether this lawsuit has merit. At the Kaufman Law Firm, our California wrongful termination employees take these types of accusations very seriously. We know that it is not uncommon for employers to downplay or dismiss the complaints of those who have lost their jobs for illegal reasons. That said, we do not want to come down on one side of this particular dispute until more details are unveiled.
Regardless of the outcome of this case, it remains an unfortunate truth that employees across virtually all industries in California are sometimes terminated when they should not be. Do you believe this has happened to you? If so, you may also be able to pursue compensation or reinstatement in your position by taking legal action.
You are more likely to win your case if you have professional legal assistance. To learn more about your options in these circumstances, contact a California wrongful termination attorney at the Kaufman Law Firm. We will review the details of your case and let you know whether we believe you have reason to proceed with a claim or lawsuit. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 818-990-1999.
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Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.