A US company is now ordered to pay $450,000 in damages to a former employee for hosting a birthday party for him, contrary to his wishes. The celebration caused a panic attack in the man.
According to a report in The Washington Times, Kentucky Kevin Berling had asked his office manager not to throw him a birthday party because of an anxiety disorder. On August 7, 2019, Berling’s birthday, his colleagues surprised him with a party in the canteen, in line with company tradition.
Berling, who according to the lawsuit is stressed from being the center of attention, suffered a panic attack and was reportedly forced to spend his lunch break in his car. A meeting with his superiors the next day led to another attack, and he was fired a few days later after company officials said they feared he would become violent.
“stole the joy of my colleagues”
“They started making life difficult for him because of his reaction to the birthday party and even accused him of stealing the joy of his colleagues,” Berling’s lawyer, who eventually sued the company for discrimination, told the local TV station. Local12.
A grand jury awarded Berling $450,000 in damages, including $300,000 for “mental anguish.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
