A California resident has filed a lawsuit against multiple physical therapy corporations, alleging severe workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. Teresa Avelar Donoso, the plaintiff, lodged her complaint on April 9, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Select Cal Physical Therapy and other associated entities.
The case revolves around allegations of disability discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Teresa Avelar Donoso claims that during her employment as a Patient Service Specialist from August 2022 until her termination in February 2025, she suffered orthopedic injuries that limited her ability to work. Despite notifying her employers about these disabilities and the need for medical leave or accommodations, Donoso alleges that the defendants failed to engage in an interactive process or provide reasonable accommodations. Instead, she asserts that they wrongfully terminated her employment due to her disabilities and requests for accommodation.
Donoso's complaint outlines multiple causes of action including disability discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, retaliation based on FEHA violations, wrongful termination, and several wage-related grievances. She accuses the defendants of failing to prevent harassment and discrimination within the workplace and not paying wages due upon termination. The lawsuit further highlights that Donoso had exhausted all administrative remedies by filing a charge with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) before pursuing legal action.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: compensatory damages for lost earnings and benefits; emotional distress; punitive damages; statutory penalties; attorney’s fees; costs of suit; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The complaint emphasizes that these actions have caused significant financial loss and emotional suffering for Donoso.
Representing Teresa Avelar Donoso are attorneys Jonathan D. Roven and Britanie A. Crippen from Jonny Law PC. The case is being reviewed by Judge Y. Chavez under Case No. 25CV463025.