Los Angeles jury awarded $27.5 million to former chief nursing officer in February 2025 discrimination case
“Nuclear verdicts” in California employment cases are becoming increasingly common, signaling strong jury support for workers’ rights
Large jury awards reflect growing intolerance for workplace discrimination and harassment in Los Angeles County
California employment law provides robust protections under FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act)
Employees who experience discrimination should document incidents and consult with experienced employment attorneys immediately
Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. has extensive experience representing discrimination victims throughout Los Angeles

The Landmark $27.5 Million Verdict

In February 2025, a Los Angeles jury sent a powerful message about workplace discrimination by awarding a staggering $27.5 million to a former chief nursing officer who experienced discrimination at her workplace. This verdict represents one of the latest examples of what employment law attorneys are calling “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards that far exceed typical settlement amounts and demonstrate the public’s growing intolerance for workplace discrimination.

The case underscores a critical trend in California employment law: juries are increasingly willing to hold employers accountable with substantial financial penalties when workers’ rights are violated. For employees in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, this verdict serves as an important reminder that the legal system can provide meaningful recourse for discrimination victims.

Understanding “Nuclear Verdicts” in Employment Law

The term “nuclear verdict” refers to jury awards in employment discrimination and harassment cases that significantly exceed conventional settlement amounts or previous verdicts. These substantial awards reflect several important factors:

Jury Sympathy for Workers: California juries, particularly in Los Angeles County, have demonstrated strong support for employees who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Severity of Violations: Large verdicts typically reflect egregious employer conduct, including deliberate discrimination, failure to investigate complaints, or retaliatory actions against employees who speak up.

Compensatory and Punitive Components: Nuclear verdicts often include both compensatory damages (for actual losses and emotional distress) and punitive damages designed to punish employers and deter future misconduct.

Economic Impact: These verdicts recognize the full economic impact of discrimination on victims’ careers, including lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity.

What This Means for Los Angeles Workers

The $27.5 million verdict has significant implications for employees throughout Los Angeles and California:

Validation of Claims: Large jury awards validate the experiences of discrimination victims and demonstrate that courts take these claims seriously.

Deterrent Effect: Substantial verdicts create powerful financial incentives for employers to maintain discrimination-free workplaces and address complaints promptly.

Increased Awareness: High-profile cases raise public awareness about discrimination issues and encourage victims to come forward.

Settlement Leverage: The possibility of nuclear verdicts gives employees greater leverage in settlement negotiations, as employers recognize the financial risks of going to trial.

California’s Strong Anti-Discrimination Laws

California provides some of the nation’s strongest protections against workplace discrimination through the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Under FEHA, it is illegal to discriminate against employees based on:

Race, color, or national origin
Religion or creed
Age (40 and older)
Sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
Physical or mental disability
Medical condition
Genetic information
Marital status
Military or veteran status

California law protects employees from discrimination in all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job assignments, and workplace conditions.

Warning Signs of Workplace Discrimination

Employees should be alert to potential discrimination indicators:

Disparate Treatment: Being treated differently than colleagues in similar positions, particularly if the differential treatment correlates with a protected characteristic.

Exclusion from Opportunities: Being passed over for promotions, training, or desirable assignments while less qualified individuals are selected.

Hostile Comments: Derogatory remarks, jokes, or comments related to age, race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Retaliation After Complaints: Facing negative consequences after reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.

Pattern of Behavior: Consistent patterns of discriminatory conduct affecting you or other employees with similar protected characteristics.

Unequal Discipline: Receiving harsher discipline than colleagues who commit similar infractions.

How to Protect Your Rights

If you believe you’re experiencing workplace discrimination, take these important steps:

Document Everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and what was said or done. Save emails, text messages, and other relevant communications.

Report Internally: Follow your company’s complaint procedures and report discrimination to HR or management in writing. Keep copies of all complaints.

Know the Deadlines: California has strict filing deadlines for discrimination claims. Generally, you must file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the discriminatory act.

Preserve Evidence: Maintain copies of performance reviews, emails, company policies, and any other documents relevant to your case.

Avoid Resignation Without Counsel: If discrimination makes your workplace intolerable, consult with an attorney before resigning, as this may affect your legal claims.

How Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. Can Help

At Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., we have extensive experience representing employees throughout Los Angeles and Southern California in discrimination cases. Our firm understands the emotional and financial toll that workplace discrimination takes on victims and their families.

Our Approach:

Thorough Case Evaluation: We carefully review your situation to identify all potential claims and determine the best legal strategy.

Aggressive Representation: We fight vigorously for our clients’ rights, whether through negotiation, administrative proceedings, or litigation.

No Recovery, No Fee: We handle employment discrimination cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond legal representation, we guide clients through the emotional challenges of discrimination cases and connect them with resources they need.

Track Record of Success: Our firm has successfully represented numerous employees in discrimination cases, securing favorable outcomes through settlements and verdicts.

The recent $27.5 million verdict demonstrates that Los Angeles juries are willing to hold employers accountable for discrimination. If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and have offices in Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Time is critical in employment discrimination cases. Contact us today to protect your rights and explore your legal options.