Facts

Paul Kukreja sued Leo Grillo, and Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals, alleging wrongful termination. Grillo was later taken out of the case.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff began working for the non-profit animal sanctuary, as a veterinary technician in 2012. On Nov. 7, 2013, he slipped and fell, resulting in a groin injury and a strained muscle in his right thigh. Plaintiff worked through the pain, but on the third day, he finally requested accommodation. Though defendant initially assigned a helper to help him, it ultimately decided to fire him four days later. Plaintiff then sued, alleging disability discrimination and wrongful termination.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant allegedly fired plaintiff for his poor job performance. As an example, plaintiff allegedly skipped out on sections and gave the wrong medications.

Damages

Kukreja requested $27,000 in lost wages/economic damages.

Injuries

Kukreja allegedly suffered emotional distress from being fired.

Result

The jury sided with Kukreja, finding that his disability, rather than his allegedly poor job performance, was a substantial factor in defendant's decision to terminate him. Further, that the helper Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals provided was not a reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, the jury awarded Kukreja $24,360 in total damages, including $9,360 in past lost earnings and $15,000 in emotional distress damages.

Other Information

The court awarded post trial costs of $14,832.77, and $109,620 in attorney fees to Kukreja as the prevailing party. According to the defense, despite multiple impeachment of plaintiff, jury found fault with the employer's HR processes. Costs requested were $30,000 and the court awarded $15,000. Experts identified were not used by plaintiff therefore no expenses associated with them were awarded. Attorney fees requested were $659,000 and court awarded $109,000. FILING DATE: Jan. 10, 2014.

Deliberation

one day

Length

three days