A former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging a toxic work environment and discriminatory practices. Claudia Garcia filed a complaint in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Ventura, on February 10, 2025, against Hygiena, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of creating a hostile work environment, failing to prevent harassment and retaliation, disability discrimination, and wrongful termination.
According to the court documents, Claudia Garcia was employed by Hygiena as a packer from September 2021 until her termination in February 2023. During her employment at Hygiena's Camarillo facility, Garcia claims she faced ongoing sexual harassment from coworkers Ines Donantes and Laura Palomares. The alleged harassment included inappropriate comments about an affair with a mechanic named Josue Garcia—a claim she denies. Despite reporting these incidents to her supervisor Cristina Torres and HR manager Ruth Alvarez, no corrective actions were taken. Instead, Garcia was repeatedly sent home after raising complaints.
Garcia also contends that she suffered from physical disabilities due to a torn ligament in her knee and mental health issues like adjustment disorder with anxiety. She informed her employer about her need for surgery scheduled for March 2023 but alleges that this disclosure led to further mistreatment and eventual termination. The lawsuit argues that these actions violated the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and California Labor Code section 1102.5.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, medical costs, attorney fees, and punitive damages. Her attorneys argue that Hygiena's conduct constituted oppression and malice warranting such reliefs. They assert that despite being aware of the unfitness of certain employees who contributed to the hostile environment, Hygiena failed to take necessary measures to protect Garcia's rights.
Represented by Michael F. Baltaxe of Sottile & Baltaxe LLP law firm based in Agoura Hills, CA., Claudia Garcia seeks justice through this legal battle against Hygiena LLC under case number 2025CUIOE038124 in front of Ventura Superior Court.