In a striking legal move, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe discrimination and wrongful termination. The complaint was lodged by Heidy Casarez on March 18, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura against Affiliated Communications LLC. Casarez accuses the company of multiple violations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including discrimination based on disability, failure to accommodate her medical condition, and retaliatory dismissal.
Heidy Casarez worked for Affiliated Communications LLC from 2021 until her alleged wrongful termination on December 23, 2024. During her employment, she was diagnosed with a serious liver condition requiring a transplant. Following surgery on February 22, 2024, Casarez's doctor recommended extended leave until February 22, 2025. Despite communicating this to her employer, Casarez claims that the company's human resources department arbitrarily decided not to extend her leave beyond December 21, 2024. She was informed that if she could not return by December 22, her position would be terminated—a decision that led to her eventual dismissal.
Casarez's lawsuit highlights significant allegations against Affiliated Communications LLC. She asserts that the company failed to engage in an interactive process regarding her accommodation needs and did not prevent workplace discrimination and retaliation as required by law. "Defendants’ unlawful conduct was a substantial factor in causing Plaintiff's damages," states the complaint. The lawsuit further alleges that Affiliated Communications LLC created an environment where discrimination flourished unchecked.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. These include general and special damages for economic losses such as lost wages and benefits due to her dismissal. Additionally, Casarez seeks punitive damages aimed at punishing the defendant for their alleged misconduct and deterring similar future behavior. She also requests injunctive relief to ensure a workplace free from discrimination and retaliation at Affiliated Communications LLC.
Representing Heidy Casarez are attorneys Michael E. Velarde of Velarde & Velarde and Joseph W. Rose of Rose Law APC. The case is presided over by Judge Joan Foster under Case ID: 2025 CUVWT 040595.