Court Upholds Fee Award for Injured Worker

A California appellate court upheld an award of attorney fees to an injured worker on his successful Fair Employment and Housing Act claim against his former employer. Case: Velez v. Kohl Building Maintenance Inc., No. B300253, 02/02/2021, unpublished. Facts: Gilberto Velez worked for Kohl Building Maintenance Inc. In 2016, a pipe burst while Velez was working, releasing water and debris over his body. Velez developed a rash that eventually required hospitalization. Velez filed a workers’ compensation claim, and Kohl terminated him. In March 2017, Velez agreed to settle the clai...