Shegerian & Associates Founder Applauds Strong EEOC Stance Against HIV Discrimination in the Workplace

Los Angeles, CA, September 12, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Santa Monica-based employment discrimination attorney Carney Shegerian has issued a statement regarding the recent settlement of an EEOC HIV disability discrimination case. The case, involving a Louisiana-based Popeye’s franchisee, Famous Chicken of Shreveport, resulted in a $25,000 settlement payment in early September.

The Famous Chicken of Shreveport employee, Noah Crawford, was immediately refused employment after revealing the reason for leaving a previous position was due to his HIV positive status. In his job application, Crawford initially stated his reason for leaving the previous position was “medical.”  After being denied the position, Crawford filed charges of disability discrimination with the EEOC alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We know that these types of cases are unfortunately common. The salient point is that HIV positive workers possess equal rights which must be upheld in the workplace regardless of their present medical status or condition. It's crucial that the EEOC continue to take a strong stance against violations of these rights.

Carney Shegerian, Attorney

“We know that these types of cases are unfortunately common,” says Carney Shegerian, “The salient point is that HIV positive workers possess equal rights which must be upheld in the workplace regardless of their present medical status or condition. It’s crucial that the EEOC continue to take a strong stance against violations of these rights.”

In addition to the $25,000 payment, Famous Chicken has agreed to a number of EEOC requirements as part of the settlement. The company will provide training on the provisions of the ADA to all managers as well as keep records of discrimination complaints and report on these matters to the agency.

Shegerian is the founder of Shegerian & Associates, a well-known California-based employment discrimination firm currently handling some of the nation’s most difficult workplace discrimination cases. He has won over 68 jury trials, including 28 seven and eight figure verdicts. Shegerian was also named 2013 Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles.

Located in Los Angeles County, Shegerian & Associates is a law firm specializing in protecting the rights of employees who have been wronged by their employers.  Shegerian & Associates is dedicated to serving the needs of its clients, and has won over 68 jury trials, including 28 seven and eight figure verdicts.  For more information, visit www.ShegerianLaw.com or www.GotFired.com.