In a significant legal development, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, alleging multiple violations of labor laws and wrongful termination. The complaint was filed by Luis Jimenez in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on May 2, 2025, targeting Kota Construction LLC as the defendant.
The case revolves around allegations that Jimenez faced retaliation after reporting unsafe working conditions to both his supervisors and the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to the complaint, Jimenez worked as a foreman for Kota Construction LLC from January 2022 until his alleged wrongful termination in April 2023. During this period, he claims to have been subjected to unsafe working conditions on construction sites, particularly being forced to work on rooftops during inclement weather. Despite raising these concerns with his supervisors, Taylor Doe and Josh Doe, no remedial action was taken. Frustrated by the lack of response from his employer, Jimenez reported these conditions to OSHA in March 2023. Shortly thereafter, he alleges that he was suspended and subsequently terminated in retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.
Jimenez's lawsuit accuses Kota Construction LLC of several violations under California labor laws. These include retaliation under Labor Code sections 6310 and 1102.5 for reporting unsafe work conditions; wrongful termination in violation of public policy; failure to pay wages due; failure to provide meal and rest breaks; failure to indemnify necessary business expenses; waiting time penalties; failure to permit inspection of personnel and payroll records; and unfair competition under Business & Professions Code section 17200 et seq. He asserts that the company's actions were not only retaliatory but also constituted unfair business practices aimed at maximizing profits at the expense of employee safety and rights.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. This includes compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination, civil penalties for violations of specific labor codes amounting to over $10,000 each for some counts, reimbursement for unpaid business expenses totaling approximately $4,200, statutory penalties related to payroll record inspection failures amounting to $750, as well as punitive damages intended to punish Kota Construction LLC for its alleged misconduct. Additionally, Jimenez is asking for injunctive relief that would prevent future discriminatory practices by the company.
Representing Luis Jimenez are attorneys Samvel Geshgian and Gourgen Babayan from SGGB Law Firm LLP based in Encino, California. The case is presided over by Judge K. Bieker under Case No. 2024S CU WT 04351.