Avedian

INTRODUCTION

Three insurance company claims representatives were terminated for falsification of their timecards. They each filed a complaint against their former employer. Two appellants, Rafi Avedian and Dawn Diaz, alleged wrongful termination in violation of public policy, among other claims, asserting they had been terminated for complaining about their employer’s business practices that allegedly violated the Insurance Code. The third appellant, Jillian McGuinness, alleged the employer had failed to accommodate her disability and failed to engage in the interactive process, among other claims. The insurance company filed motions for summary judgment, and the trial court granted each of these motions. This appeal followed. As we shall explain, triable issues of fact exist as to the appellants’ respective claims. We conclude the trial court erred in granting summary judgment for Progressive, and accordingly reverse.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL SUMMARY

1. Appellants’ Employment with Progressive. Rafi Avedian, Dawn Diaz, Jillian McGuinness and Kristin Giarletto worked together as claims specialists in the Sherman Oaks office of Progressive Casualty Insurance Company…