Verizon's summary judgment win in discrimination case affirmed by California Court of Appeals
Client(s) Verizon Communications, Inc.
The Court of Appeal for the State of California affirmed the trial court's ruling for Jones Day's client Verizon California, Inc. in this discrimination and retaliation matter. Jones Day successfully defended Verizon and several individual defendants against claims of disability and race discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, failure to prevent discrimination, failure to accommodate, and failure to engage in the interactive process. In granting summary judgment, LASC Judge Richard Rico held that Verizon had a legitimate business reason for removing the plaintiff from his position because the plaintiff’s permanent work restrictions prevented him from performing at least one of the essential functions of his job. The Court also found that Verizon had proven there was insufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's other claims. Verizon's summary judgment victory was affirmed on all causes of action by the California Court of Appeal on October 18, 2016.
John H. Robinson v. Verizon Corporate Resources Group LLC, B262886 (Cal. App.); John Robinson v. Verizon, Case No. BC501426 (Super Ct. Los Angeles Cty., Cal.)
