San Diego Jury Awards $2.335 Million Verdict in Employment Dispute

Franklin Law PC secures major win against Fairgrove Property Management for disability discrimination and retaliation

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A San Diego jury awarded $2.335 million to Edgar Figueroa, an employee of Fairgrove Property Management, after finding the company discriminated against him due to a back injury, retaliated when he sought accommodation, and failed to engage in the interactive process. The verdict includes $35,000 in lost wages, $1 million in emotional distress damages, and $1.3 million in punitive damages.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of employers properly accommodating employees with disabilities and engaging in good-faith interactive processes, as required by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The substantial damages award, including punitive damages, sends a strong message that juries will not tolerate blatant disregard for disability rights.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Edgar Figueroa severely injured his back while moving a desk at the instruction of Fairgrove's HR department. After seeking emergency medical care, the HR head allegedly searched for ways to justify terminating Figueroa, eventually conspiring with leadership to create false documentation. Figueroa provided a doctor's note restricting him from lifting more than 15 pounds and requesting remote work, but the company expressed skepticism about accommodating him. Fairgrove's HR head later admitted to providing false testimony, while the CEO claimed the company handled the situation "flawlessly."

  • On February 18, 2026, a San Diego jury awarded the $2.335 million verdict.

The players

Edgar Figueroa

An exemplary employee of Fairgrove Property Management who suffered a serious lower back injury and was subsequently discriminated against and retaliated against by the company.

Fairgrove Property Management

The property management company that was found to have discriminated against and retaliated against Edgar Figueroa due to his disability.

Zak Franklin

The attorney from Franklin Law PC who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Edgar Figueroa and secured the $2.335 million verdict.

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What they’re saying

“Edgar is a hard worker who was willing to do anything that Fairgrove asked and the company was happy to have him on board until he became disabled, at which time Fairgrove's leadership decided to discard him.”

— Zak Franklin, Attorney, Franklin Law PC (PRNewswire)

“We believe this verdict confirms that all employees, even short term or lower paid employees, deserve justice and juries are willing to award substantial damages regardless of a plaintiff's salary or tenure.”

— Zak Franklin, Attorney, Franklin Law PC (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The judge will determine the amount of attorney's fees and costs that Fairgrove Property Management must pay to Edgar Figueroa, which is expected to bring his total recovery to over $3.335 million.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates that employers must take their obligations under disability laws seriously and engage in good-faith efforts to accommodate employees. The substantial jury award, including punitive damages, underscores that courts will not tolerate blatant disregard for workers' rights, regardless of their position or salary.