In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in Ventura County, California, an individual has filed a lawsuit against several entities and individuals, alleging a series of workplace violations. The complaint was lodged by Felipe Martinez on January 30, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. The defendants named in the case include DFG Restaurants, Incorporated; Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC; Rigoberto Correa; Andrew Pierce; and additional unnamed parties.
The case revolves around serious allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Felipe Martinez claims that during his long tenure with the employer defendants—DFG Restaurants and Carl Karcher Enterprises—he faced multiple instances of workplace discrimination and harassment due to his disabilities. According to the complaint, Martinez began working for these companies as a Fry Cook in 1989 and eventually rose to the position of District Manager overseeing eight Carl’s Jr. locations in Southern California.
Martinez's troubles reportedly began around 2022 when he sustained work-related injuries affecting his knee and shoulder. These injuries were significant enough to limit his ability to perform his job duties effectively. Despite reporting these injuries to the company's Safety Manager, Rigoberto Correa, Martinez alleges that he received inadequate support from his employers. Instead of accommodating his medical needs—which included physical therapy sessions—Martinez claims he was met with resistance and hostility from management.
In June 2023, when Martinez informed Vice President Andrew Pierce about his need for therapy sessions on Fridays due to ongoing treatment for his injuries, he was allegedly told not to miss any mandatory Friday Field Rides—a directive that ignored his medical condition. This lack of accommodation culminated in what Martinez describes as a "bogus Performance Action Plan" aimed at forcing him out of the company after decades of service.
The situation escalated further when Martinez's employment was abruptly terminated on November 30, 2023. He asserts that this action was taken without explanation or justification following repeated requests for reasonable accommodations related to his disabilities—a clear violation of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) according to the plaintiff.
Martinez is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $35,000 for lost wages and benefits along with general damages for emotional distress caused by what he perceives as malicious conduct by the defendants. Additionally, he demands punitive damages intended to punish the defendants for their alleged misconduct and deter similar actions in the future. The lawsuit also calls for injunctive relief to prevent future discriminatory practices by these employers.
Representing Felipe Martinez are attorneys Richard T. Marquez and Herber Ramirez from The Marquez Law Firm based in Woodland Hills, California. The case is presided over by Judge Joan Foster under Case ID 2025 CLNVWT OS ¥ BES.