Recent Case Result
Our client worked for one of the nation’s largest financial institutions when she returned from a year-long, approved medical leave for mental-health reasons. Instead of supporting her transition back to work, the employer transferred her to a branch over an hour away, despite knowing she was a single mother with childcare constraints and mental-health vulnerabilities.
Management claimed the reassignment was part of an industry-wide structural change, yet out of a team of more than a dozen, she alone was selected for relocation.
What Happened Next
Recognizing the hardship this created, our client immediately requested a reasonable accommodation—either reassignment to a closer branch or a demotion into any available role near her home. She even identified multiple open positions that met her limitations. Her requests were ignored. Instead, she was told she must either:
- Apply and secure a new position within two months, or
- Take another leave of absence.
Given the employer’s refusal to engage in the interactive process, she had no choice but to go on leave once again. Eventually, with no support or accommodation forthcoming, she resigned.
What Made This Case Unique
This case centered almost entirely on emotional distress damages, not lost wages, because our client left the workforce due to the employer’s conduct. The employer’s claim of a “universal” restructuring contradicted internal staffing decisions, and the selective reassignment created strong evidence of discriminatory motive and bad-faith handling of her return-to-work process.
Legal Strategy
Our team demonstrated:
- The employer failed to engage in the required interactive process
- A reasonable accommodation was available but intentionally withheld
- The transfer imposed a foreseeable and severe hardship
- The decisions made were inconsistent with the claimed “industry-wide change”
Through a detailed factual record and pre-settlement advocacy, we positioned the case for resolution without the need for litigation.
Client Outcome
The case is in the process of being finalized with a $75,000 settlement, compensating our client for the emotional distress, instability, and anxiety caused by the employer’s disregard of her disability and family responsibilities.
The Labor Champ — Defenders of the Workplace
If you’ve been denied reasonable accommodations, pushed out after a protected leave, or treated unfairly because of a disability, you don’t have to fight alone. The Labor Champ at Samer Habbas & Associates stands up for workers who’ve been ignored, mistreated, or retaliated against.
Contact us today to understand your rights and learn how we can help protect your job, your livelihood, and your dignity.
📞 (949) 727-9300
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➡️ The Labor Champ — Defenders of the Workplace.