Paul Hernandez has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against his former employer, alleging severe workplace misconduct and multiple violations of California labor laws. The complaint was lodged on October 8, 2024, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County, targeting Keller North America, Inc., Danny Nunez, and several unnamed defendants.
Hernandez's allegations are grave and numerous. He accuses Keller North America and its management of creating a hostile work environment through sexual harassment and threats of violence. In one incident in January 2020, Danny Nunez allegedly threatened Hernandez with physical harm and made degrading comments about his weight. Hernandez claims these actions were part of a broader pattern of harassment that persisted throughout his employment from October 2019 to March 2023. Additionally, he reports that he was pressured into skipping legally mandated breaks and was not compensated for overtime hours worked—violations that contravene specific sections of the California Labor Code.
The plaintiff further alleges that Keller North America engaged in unfair business practices by failing to provide accurate wage statements and reimbursements for necessary work-related expenses such as cell phone usage. These failures are claimed to have caused significant financial distress to Hernandez, including forcing him to withdraw $25,000 from his retirement savings following his abrupt termination on March 2, 2023.
Hernandez is seeking substantial relief from the court. His demands include unpaid wages and overtime compensation, penalties for waiting time violations, restitution for unfair business practices under the Business & Professions Code §17200, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for malicious conduct by the defendants, as well as attorney fees and costs associated with the lawsuit.
Representing Paul Hernandez is Ryan J. Perry from the Law Offices of Ryan J. Perry. The case is presided over by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case No: 2024CUOE031666 in Ventura Superior Court.