Sarah Ahmad has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination due to her medical condition. The complaint was filed on October 28, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Vander-Bend Manufacturing, Inc., doing business as Vantedge Medical.
The case centers around Ahmad's employment with Vander-Bend Manufacturing as a Program Manager beginning June 19, 2023. Her role involved managing major accounts and overseeing various operational aspects. However, on March 21, 2024, Ahmad was placed on medical leave by her physician due to a mental health condition that affected her daily life activities. Despite informing the company's human resources department and providing necessary documentation for reasonable accommodation through medical leave extensions until May 3, 2024, Ahmad alleges she was terminated on April 17, 2024. This termination came after she engaged in what she describes as protected activity by requesting accommodations for her disability.
Ahmad accuses Vander-Bend Manufacturing of multiple violations under California law including discrimination based on disability under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and unfair competition practices. She claims that the company failed to engage in an interactive process to accommodate her medical needs and retaliated against her for asserting her rights.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court: general and special damages for lost earnings and emotional distress; restitution for unpaid wages; punitive damages; attorneys' fees; costs of suit; and pre-judgment interest. Ahmad argues that these remedies are warranted due to the company's conscious disregard for her rights which resulted in significant personal and professional harm.
Representing Sarah Ahmad are attorneys Aidin D. Ghavimi and Ilana N. Fine from Starpoint LC. The case is being overseen by Judge M. Arechiga under Case ID: 24CV450426.