Erlich Law Firm Wins 2 Million Dollar Settlement in Racial Discrimination Case

Erlich Law Firm obtained a $2 million settlement for their client in a racial discrimination lawsuit against an employer in the marijuana industry.

The lawsuit alleged the employee was fired in retaliation for complaining about racial discrimination in the workplace. The plaintiff was an accountant with more than 40 years of experience who worked for a well-known company in the marijuana industry.

The accountant alleged his supervisor was creating a hostile work environment based on his race. Nine days after filing a report with the company’s human resources department, he was terminated.

“The employer’s shifting rationale for why our client was terminated did not hold up under scrutiny,” commented employment attorney Jason Erlich of Erlich Law Firm in Oakland, California. “Employers have a duty to address complaints about racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace and take appropriate action. In this case, however, the employer attempted to sweep the matter under the rug.”

Erlich Law Firm served as co-counsel to get the case to trial. Even though the courts were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Erlich Law Firm continued to work on the lawsuit and prepare for trial. The employer agreed to a $2 million settlement about one week before the trial was scheduled to begin.

“Engaging in retaliatory behavior against workers is not only unacceptable but also illegal under California law,” said Erlich. “When employers fire employees for an unlawful reason, such as reporting racial discrimination, they can be held accountable for their actions. This settlement will go a long way in helping our client.”

Employees whose rights have been violated in the workplace can pursue compensation from their employers. Erlich Law Firm provides quality legal representation to workers who have suffered wrongful termination, retaliation, sexual harassment, wage theft and other employment issues in the San Francisco Bay Area.