A former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, alleging a series of serious workplace violations. The complaint was lodged by Mikhail Gruminskii on February 28, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting Cornely Company and unnamed defendants. Gruminskii accuses Cornely Company of retaliation, wrongful termination, and various forms of discrimination and harassment.
The lawsuit outlines a troubling narrative where Gruminskii claims to have been subjected to unsafe working conditions while employed as a Boiler Technical Installer at Cornely Company. According to the complaint, these conditions included exposure to exhaust fumes due to machines being left running in poorly ventilated areas. Despite raising concerns with his supervisor about the health risks posed by these conditions, no remedial action was taken. This neglect allegedly led to Gruminskii developing a chronic cough and loss of smell. His persistent complaints about workplace safety were met with indifference until he threatened legal action in February 2023.
Gruminskii's situation worsened when he was diagnosed with cancer in January 2023 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. Upon returning from medical leave, he found that the hazardous conditions persisted. His subsequent termination on February 29, 2023, was ostensibly for tardiness—a justification he argues is inconsistent with how other employees were treated for similar infractions. Gruminskii contends that his dismissal was retaliatory and linked to his protected activities under California Labor Code §1102.5.
The complaint further alleges that Cornely Company failed to engage in an interactive process or provide reasonable accommodations following Gruminskii’s cancer diagnosis and surgery recovery period—actions which are required under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The suit claims this lack of accommodation contributed significantly to his emotional distress and physical suffering.
In seeking justice through the court system, Gruminskii demands compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to what he describes as unlawful employment practices by Cornely Company. He also seeks punitive damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress caused by the company's alleged discriminatory conduct. Additionally, Gruminskii requests injunctive relief to prevent future occurrences of such practices at Cornely Company along with coverage for legal fees incurred during this litigation process.
Representing Mikhail Gruminskii is attorney Ilya Filmus from Infinity Law Group LLP based in Lafayette, California. The case has been assigned Case ID CGC-25-622885 in the Superior Court of California located in San Francisco County.