In a gripping legal battle, a former employee has taken a stand against his previous employer, alleging a series of discriminatory practices and wrongful termination. Eric Chumacero filed the complaint on March 4, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against LM San Francisco LLC. The lawsuit paints a vivid picture of alleged disability discrimination and retaliation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
The plaintiff, Eric Chumacero, claims that his employment with LM San Francisco LLC was marred by discrimination following an injury he sustained at work. Employed as a Sous Chef since September 12, 2022, Chumacero alleges that after suffering a burn on January 27, 2024, he faced significant pushback when requesting time off to recover. Despite providing medical documentation supporting his need for leave and accommodations upon return to work on February 15, 2024, the company allegedly refused to accommodate his restrictions. "It is not a good time to be off," he was reportedly told when initially requesting leave due to the high volume of work during holidays like Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Chumacero's complaint accuses LM San Francisco LLC of multiple violations including disability discrimination and retaliation under FEHA; failure to accommodate and engage in an interactive process; interference with CFRA rights; and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. He argues that these actions led to financial losses such as loss of salary and benefits along with emotional distress manifesting as humiliation and mental anguish. The plaintiff contends that these adverse actions were not only discriminatory but also retaliatory for exercising his rights under state law.
In seeking justice from the court, Chumacero demands general damages for emotional distress and special damages for financial losses incurred due to the alleged wrongful acts. He also seeks punitive damages intended to punish LM San Francisco LLC for what he describes as fraudulent, malicious conduct carried out in wanton disregard for his rights. Additionally, Chumacero requests reinstatement to his position or an equivalent role within the company along with attorneys’ fees incurred while pursuing this legal action.
Represented by Brock & Gonzales LLP—a law firm known for handling employment disputes—Chumacero aims to hold LM San Francisco LLC accountable for their purported violations. His legal team includes D. Aaron Brock, Christopher P. Brandes, and Tiffany I. Romo who have filed this case under Case No.: CGC-25-622957 before the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County.