A man from Kentucky has been rewarded with $ 450,000 after his company staged a surprise birthday party for him, despite his warnings that it would cause him stress and anxiety.
Plaintiff, Kevin Berling, alleges that the unwanted 2019 birthday party at Gravity Diagnostics caused him a series of panic attacks. Berling's lawsuit alleged that the company discriminated against him because of his disability.
The company has denied any wrongdoing.
According to the lawsuit, Berling - who suffers from anxiety disorders - had asked his manager not to celebrate his birthday at work as he usually does for his employees, as it could result in a panic attack and 'brought him unpleasant childhood memories.
Despite Berling's request, the company staged a surprise party for him in August 2019, triggering a panic attack. He quickly left the party and finished lunch in his car.
The lawsuit alleges that Berling was "confronted and criticized" at a meeting the next day, where he was accused of "stealing the joy of his colleagues" and "behaving like a little girl". The tense meeting sparked a second panic attack, after which the company sent him home for the day and the next day.
On Aug. 11, Gravity Diagnostics fired him, citing workplace safety concerns. His lawsuit alleged that the company discriminated against him on the grounds of incompetence and unfairly retaliated against him. After a two-day trial in late March, the court awarded him $ 450,000, including $ 300,000 for emotional distress and $ 150,000 in lost wages.
Source: BBC
