EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. — A jury in Douglas County has awarded $5 million to Brian Kniffen, a dedicated employee of the East Wenatchee Water District, who claimed he was wrongfully dismissed after sustaining a work-related spinal injury. Kniffen worked for nearly 30 years as a utility field inspector.
In 2020, Kniffen injured his back while trying to open a stuck water main valve. Following the incident, he sought workplace accommodations to manage his recovery, including restrictions on his ability to lift heavy objects and manually operate valves. These recommendations were backed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
The jury concluded that the Water District violated both state and federal disability discrimination laws by failing to provide the necessary accommodations for Kniffen’s injuries and subsequently terminating his employment in November 2021.
Beth Bloom, the lead counsel representing Kniffen from Bloom Law, stated that Kniffen faced repercussions for being injured on the job. Initial support from the Water District for Kniffen’s accommodations was retracted over time, with officials claiming that they could not provide reasonable adjustments. Evidence was presented during the trial showing that a $30,000 powered valve turner, readily recommended by Labor & Industries and widely used by other utility districts, could have allowed Kniffen to continue working without risk. The Water District ultimately did not acquire the device.
In response to the jury’s decision, Kniffen emphasized that his case was not only a personal battle. "This case was never just about me. It was about making sure no one else gets pushed out of a job just for getting injured and asking for help,” he stated after the verdict was announced.
The jury’s decision highlights the ongoing challenges many workers face regarding workplace accommodations and protections against discrimination. This landmark case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities employers have to support employees with disabilities, particularly those who experience injuries in the line of duty.
The East Wenatchee Water District has yet to publicly comment on the ruling or its implications for future employment practices.
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