In a compelling legal battle that highlights significant workplace issues, a former employee has taken legal action against a prominent global car rental company, alleging a range of discriminatory practices. The lawsuit was filed by Sonjoy Kumar Das on March 4, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting Hertz Global Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries.
Sonjoy Kumar Das claims his wrongful termination from Hertz and DTG Operations Inc. stemmed from various discriminatory practices violating the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The complaint details allegations of age, race, and disability discrimination alongside retaliation for engaging in protected activities. According to Das, he faced a hostile work environment where his medical conditions were not accommodated despite clear communication with management. "Defendants used plaintiff's disability and his need to take medical leave as an excuse for terminating plaintiff's employment," the complaint states. Furthermore, Das accuses Hertz of failing to engage in an interactive process required by law to accommodate his disabilities. He asserts that these actions were part of a broader pattern of negligence in hiring and supervision within the company.
Das seeks compensatory damages for economic losses such as lost wages and benefits, non-economic damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for alleged malicious conduct by Hertz executives, and reimbursement for legal fees incurred during this litigation. The complaint outlines ten causes of action including whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code § 1102.5 due to Das’s complaints about unsafe working conditions being ignored or dismissed by management.
The case is presided over by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-25-622968. Representing Sonjoy Kumar Das are attorneys from Shegerian & Associates Inc., including Carney R. She Shae Esq., John M. David Esq., and Cameron Ho Esq., who are prepared to argue their client's case vigorously in court.