Press Release--March 23, 2023--Financial Partners Credit Union Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

On March 23, 2023, Olsen Law Offices filed a disability discrimination and wrongful termination case against Financial Partners Credit Union. The case was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, case number 37-2023-00012117-CU-WT-CTL. The Hon. Carolyn Caietti, Dept. 70, has been assigned to preside over this case. 

What Is the Case About?

Olsen Law Offices represents a former employee who alleges the following: the employee was hired in September 2022 to serve as a bank manager with Financial Partners Credit Union. The employee had substantial experience in the banking industry—over 20 years. In the second half of September 2022, however, the employee suffered a grand mal (tonic clonic) seizure while at Financial Partners Credit Union’s San Diego location. The seizure occurred during normal banking hours while the branch was fully staffed with customers present. The employee, and adult over 40 years old, had no prior history of seizures. The employee alleges that after the seizure Financial Partners Credit Union began to look for minor issues to serve as a basis to terminate him. It terminated him only a few days after he returned to work.  

The employee seeks to recover damages related to emotional distress—loss of sleep and insomnia, fatigue, drowsiness, anxiety, loss of self-worth, sense of dread, among other manifestations of distress. The employee seeks to recover wages for the time he would have continued to work but for the wrongful termination.

Is Epilepsy Discrimination a Problem in California?

Yes, discrimination against people with epilepsy is a problem in California, despite legal protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures, and people with epilepsy often face stigma and discrimination in employment, education, and other areas of life.

Employment discrimination is a particularly significant issue for people with epilepsy. In some cases, employers may be reluctant to hire someone with epilepsy because they are concerned about the safety of other employees or customers. This can lead to unfair treatment or even job loss for people with epilepsy. Additionally, people with epilepsy may face discrimination in promotions or other career advancement opportunities, even if they are qualified for the position.

Education discrimination is another area of concern for people with epilepsy. Students with epilepsy may face barriers to participating in certain activities or programs due to safety concerns, or may be subject to exclusion or harassment by other students or staff members.

While the ADA and other laws provide legal protections against discrimination based on disability, including epilepsy, discrimination can still occur due to lack of awareness or understanding about the condition. It is important for individuals with epilepsy to know their rights under the law and to seek legal assistance if they believe they have experienced discrimination. Additionally, education and awareness efforts can help reduce stigma and discrimination against people with epilepsy and other disabilities.

What Is Financial Partners Credit Union’s Response?

Financial Partners Credit Union has not yet been served and thus has no official statement. Nonetheless, Olsen Law Offices expects that Financial Partners Credit Union will deny the allegations as set forth above and vigorously defend itself against these claims. It is important to note that the paragraph above describes the allegations as the employee sees them and that no court, arbitrator, or jury has issued any official decision concerning the validity of the employees claims or Financial Partners Credit Union’s potential defenses.

About Olsen Law Offices, APC

Olsen Law Offices specializes in employment litigation in all areas of employment law. Olsen Law Offices has extensive experience litigating matters concerning wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment and hostile work environment, work place defamation, gender discrimination, race discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, and disability discrimination. Moreover, Olsen Law Offices has extensive experience in wage and hour cases as single-employee cases, class actions, and actions under the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”).