A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a California corporation, alleging multiple violations of employment laws following his termination. The complaint was lodged by Jose Venegas on December 30, 2024, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Ventura against Natren Inc., and an individual named Luis Buenrosto.
Jose Venegas, who began working for Natren Inc. in September 2023, claims that he was wrongfully terminated after suffering a back injury in August 2024. The injury left him temporarily unable to work and required medical leave. Despite providing medical documentation and requesting accommodations for light duty work, Venegas alleges that Natren Inc. informed him he was "no longer needed" due to his physical limitations. Venegas contends that there were available positions at the company that did not require heavy lifting or physical labor which could have accommodated his restrictions.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action including retaliation in violation of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), disability discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), failure to accommodate, failure to engage in a good faith interactive process, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and failure to pay wages due at separation with associated waiting time penalties. Venegas argues that his termination was directly linked to his disability and use of medical leave, claiming this constituted unlawful retaliation and discrimination under state law.
Venegas is seeking damages exceeding $35,000 for lost earnings and benefits, emotional distress, punitive damages intended to punish Natren Inc., as well as attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing the lawsuit. He demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Jose Venegas are attorneys from Abramson Labor Group: W. Zev Abramson, Christina Begakis, and Elen Martirosyan. The case is presided over by Judge Alex Lopez under Case No. #OU24CLUINEOS5002.