Paola Hernandez Lara has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging severe workplace discrimination. The complaint was lodged in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County on January 6, 2025, targeting Milgard Manufacturing LLC. Lara accuses the company of pregnancy discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, and wrongful termination.
The case unfolds with Paola Hernandez Lara's allegations against Milgard Manufacturing LLC, where she worked from January 10, 2022, until September 1, 2023. She claims that after disclosing her pregnancy in May 2023 to HR Manager Ingrid and supervisor Jorge Godinez, she faced a series of discriminatory actions. Despite having a positive work record and receiving wage increases during her tenure, Lara alleges that her working conditions changed drastically following her pregnancy announcement. She asserts that Godinez harassed her by assigning heavy lifting tasks and reducing her work hours without justification. Additionally, she claims that fans were removed from her workspace to make conditions uncomfortable.
Lara's complaint outlines several causes of action under California law. She argues that Milgard Manufacturing violated California Government Code §12940(a) by discriminating against her due to her pregnancy. Furthermore, she accuses the company of failing to engage in an interactive process or provide reasonable accommodations as required by California Government Code §§12940(m) and (n). The lawsuit also highlights the company's failure to prevent discrimination under §12940(k) and wrongful termination under California Labor Code §132(a). Lara seeks equitable relief including reinstatement, compensatory damages for economic losses and emotional distress, punitive damages to deter future misconduct by the defendant, and coverage for attorney fees.
Represented by attorneys Farzad Rastegar and Hannah R. Braidman from Rastegar Law Group APC, Paola Hernandez Lara is determined to hold Milgard Manufacturing accountable for what she describes as intentional and reckless violations of employment laws. The case is being overseen by the Superior Court of California in Ventura County under Case No. 20275 CIUJOE036962.