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Employees who file disability discrimination claims in Los Angeles, CA can expect settlement amounts that vary widely—from modest outcomes in straightforward cases to seven‑figure verdicts in high‑impact matters.
Most disability discrimination settlements in California fall between approximately $25,000 and $500,000. Ultimately, average settlements depend on the complexity of the case. For example:
Minor or isolated incidents typically settle under $100,000. More severe or systemic cases—such as denial of reasonable accommodations or mistreatment leading to termination—often push into the mid‑five‑figure or six‑figure range, up to $500,000 or more.
Cases involving significant financial loss—lost wages, lost benefits, or career interruptions—can lead to higher payouts, especially when evidence shows long-term harm.
California law allows compensation for mental anguish and emotional trauma, which can increase settlement values, particularly when the employer’s conduct was negligent or intentional.
Cases involving failure to accommodate a known disability or employer retaliation frequently yield larger settlements—often starting around $225,000 and exceeding $500,000 when evidence is strong.
Our skilled Los Angeles disability discrimination lawyer strengthens negotiation leverage. Employers often offer higher settlements to avoid litigation.
Adhering to waiting‑period requirements, filing within deadlines, and exhausting internal procedures can influence whether a case progresses—and how it is valued.
Larger employers with greater financial resources and documented patterns of violations may face larger compensatory or punitive damages, increasing settlement amounts.
These examples demonstrate that California disability discrimination cases can result in high-value settlements and verdicts:
$14.4 Million Settlement — Microsoft v. California Civil Rights Department (2024)
The California Civil Rights Department alleged that Microsoft discriminated against employees who took protected disability and parental leave. Workers reported retaliation such as lowered bonuses and stalled promotions.
$12 Million Jury Award (Adjusted on Appeal) — Atkins v. City of Los Angeles (2017)
Five LAPD recruits injured during training were dismissed after the city shortened a recovery program that previously allowed indefinite participation. A jury awarded $12 million for discrimination and failure to accommodate. On appeal, damages were reduced, but the court upheld claims that the city unlawfully changed its accommodation policy. Employers cannot retroactively limit accommodations without considering employee rights.
$6.9 Million Verdict — Scotch v. Art Institute of California (2009)
An instructor diagnosed with Bell’s palsy was fired shortly after requesting lighter teaching duties. A jury found disability discrimination and failure to accommodate, awarding $6.9 million, including $4 million in punitive damages.
$723,746 Award — Hernandez v. Rancho Santiago Community College District (2018)
Maria Hernandez took medical leave during her probationary period and was terminated instead of being granted an extension. The court ruled that employers must consider adjusting probation periods as reasonable accommodations rather than resorting to termination.