A California automotive technician is taking legal action against his former employer, alleging a series of discriminatory and retaliatory acts that culminated in his termination. The complaint was filed by Rodolfo Ochoa on February 21, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Grieco Motors West LLC.
The lawsuit details a harrowing experience for Ochoa, who claims he faced disability discrimination after a workplace accident left him injured. On April 25, 2024, Ochoa suffered injuries to his shoulder and leg after slipping on a hazardous ramp at the automotive facility. Despite repeated warnings from employees about the unsafe condition of the ramp, management allegedly took no corrective action. Following the incident, Ochoa sought medical treatment and was placed on temporary disability. Upon returning to work with modified duties, he alleges he became the target of retaliation from both management and colleagues. According to court documents, foreman Ray Turon and other managers at Grieco Motors West belittled his injuries and unfairly distributed work assignments to disadvantage him.
Ochoa also accuses Service Advisor Javier Bernal of physical harassment and violence. The complaint recounts several disturbing incidents where Bernal allegedly assaulted Ochoa physically and emotionally — including smashing his lunch and placing him in a chokehold without provocation. Despite reporting these incidents to Service Manager Efrain Lopez, Ochoa claims management dismissed his concerns and failed to implement measures to ensure workplace safety.
On December 6, 2024, after submitting a medical report clearing him for full-duty work post-injury recovery, Ochoa received notice from Tyler Garner in Human Resources that his employment was terminated. He contends this termination was pretextual — motivated by his need for accommodation due to disability and as retaliation for reporting unsafe working conditions.
The lawsuit lists multiple causes of action against Grieco Motors West LLC: disability discrimination under Government Code §§12940 et seq., failure to provide reasonable accommodation (§12940(m)), failure to engage in an interactive process (§12940(n)), failure to maintain a discrimination-free environment (§12940(k)), retaliation (§12940(h)&(m)(2)), violation of California Labor Code §1102.5 (whistleblower statute), and harassment based on disability (§12940(j)).
Ochoa seeks various forms of relief from the court: compensation for lost income and benefits due to wrongful termination; general damages for emotional distress; punitive damages aimed at punishing Grieco Motors West LLC; attorneys' fees; and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Rodolfo Ochoa are attorneys Kevin C. Boyle, C. Stephen Love, and Jennifer L. Levy from the Law Offices of Kevin C. Boyle located in Calabasas, CA. The case is being presided over in Ventura Superior Court under Case No.: 2025CLUIOE0SS965.