Workplace Retaliation Lawsuit: How a $9 Million Verdict Protects Employee Rights

Standing Up to Workplace Retaliation: A $9 Million Verdict Shows Why Speaking Up Matters

When you go to work, you expect to be treated with respect, paid fairly, and protected from harassment. It’s not too much to ask—it’s the law. Unfortunately, many employers still put profits over people, cutting corners on wages, ignoring employee concerns, or even punishing workers who dare to speak up.

That’s exactly what happened to a former recreational program lead at a beach club in Carlsbad. She was subjected to workplace violations, sexual harassment, and ultimately fired after standing up for herself. But she fought back—and won.

A jury awarded her more than $9 million in damages, sending a strong message that workplace retaliation, misclassification, and wage theft won’t be tolerated. Let’s break down what happened and what workers should take away from this case.

The Story: A Job Gone Wrong

In late 2020, the plaintiff was hired by Bitchin Inc. and its affiliates to work as a recreational program lead. The company, which operated a beach club for kids, sounded like a fun place to work. But behind the scenes, serious workplace violations were happening.

• She was misclassified, meaning she didn’t receive the overtime pay and breaks she was legally entitled to.

• She was forced to work off the clock, cutting into her wages.

• Worst of all, she was subjected to sexual harassment by her supervisor.

Like many employees facing harassment, she was put in an impossible position. When she reported the inappropriate behavior, the company didn’t protect her—it exposed her complaint to the very person she was reporting. That supervisor turned hostile, warning her not to go over his head again.

But she wasn’t alone. A coworker, hearing about what she had endured, reported the harassment to company leadership. This should have been a turning point. Instead, the company botched the situation even further.

Retaliation in Action

The company ultimately decided to fire the supervisor—but not without making another critical mistake. When they let him go, they told him he was being fired partly because of the plaintiff’s complaints.

Angry and looking for revenge, the supervisor suddenly claimed that she had harassed him. And instead of treating this allegation with the skepticism it deserved, the company jumped at the chance to turn the tables. They launched an investigation—not into the supervisor’s misconduct, but into her—and within days of participating in the process, she was fired.

This wasn’t justice. It was retaliation, plain and simple.

The Jury’s Verdict: Justice Served

At trial, the evidence was clear: the company’s so-called investigation was a sham. Expert witnesses testified that it was biased, incomplete, and designed to protect the employer, not uncover the truth.

The jury saw right through it. After a 12-day trial and two days of deliberation, they came back with a powerful verdict:

• $4 million in compensatory damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and the harm caused by wrongful termination.

• $5 million in punitive damages to punish the company for its egregious actions.

• Zero comparative negligence—meaning the jury placed all the blame on the employer, not the worker.

Lessons for Workers: Know Your Rights

This case should serve as a wake-up call for employers and an empowering reminder for workers: retaliation is illegal. If you speak up about workplace violations—whether it’s harassment, wage theft, discrimination, or unsafe conditions—your employer cannot punish you for it.

Here’s what workers should take away from this case:

1. You Have the Right to Report Harassment and Wage Violations

California law protects employees from workplace harassment, retaliation, and wage theft. If you’re denied overtime, forced to work off the clock, or subjected to discrimination, you can and should report it.

2. Employers Cannot Retaliate Against You for Speaking Up

Retaliation—whether it’s firing, demoting, cutting hours, or making work miserable—is illegal. If you’re punished for reporting misconduct, you have legal options.

3. Workplace Investigations Must Be Fair and Unbiased

Companies often try to cover their tracks by conducting internal investigations that are anything but fair. This case highlights why employees should seek legal advice if they find themselves in the middle of a workplace investigation.

4. Juries Take Retaliation Seriously

The fact that this jury awarded $9 million—including $5 million in punitive damages—shows just how seriously courts take employer misconduct. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you can fight back—and win.

What to Do If You’re Facing Retaliation

If you believe you’ve been retaliated against for reporting harassment, discrimination, or wage violations, don’t stay silent. Here’s what you should do:

• Document Everything: Keep records of inappropriate comments, unpaid wages, or any threats made against you.

• File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Labor Commissioner’s Office.

• Talk to an Attorney: An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case.

At Central Coast Employment Law, we fight for workers who have been wronged. If you’re facing workplace retaliation, we’re here to help. We offer a fast, free, confidential case evaluation. If we can’t help, we’ll try to get you pointed in the right direction. If we can help, our consultations are always free, confidential, and designed to give you clear next steps.