In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in Ventura County, California, a former employee has taken legal action against a state insurance entity and several associated parties, alleging a slew of workplace violations. The complaint was filed by Derek Burge on January 24, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura against the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF), the State of California, Mark Beatty, and other unnamed defendants.
Derek Burge, who had been employed with SCIF since May 2016 and served as Assistant Chief Counsel from July 2017 until February 2024, claims that his career was derailed due to discrimination and retaliation. According to Burge's complaint, he faced numerous adverse actions after taking time off to care for his wife who suffers from serious medical conditions. Burge alleges that his supervisor at SCIF, Mark Beatty, threatened him regarding promotions and created a hostile work environment. In one instance in June 2022, Beatty allegedly told Burge during a meeting that he would never advance within the company unless he aligned with Beatty's expectations. This prompted Burge to file complaints which were reportedly ignored or inadequately addressed by SCIF's management.
Burge’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating multiple provisions under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including discrimination based on association with a disabled person, failure to provide reasonable accommodation or engage in an interactive process for accommodations, harassment creating a hostile work environment, and retaliation for engaging in protected activities. Additionally, Burge cites whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code §1102.5 and intentional infliction of emotional distress among other charges.
The plaintiff seeks economic damages for lost wages and benefits as well as non-economic damages for emotional distress caused by what he describes as oppressive conduct by his employers. He is also pursuing punitive damages on grounds that the defendants acted maliciously and fraudulently. Furthermore, Burge demands compensation for attorney fees incurred during this legal pursuit.
Representing Derek Burge is Carney R. Shegerian from Shegerian & Associates Inc., while the case will be overseen by judges at the Ventura Superior Court under Case No: 2025 CLNWT OS? 452.