EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. — A jury has awarded $5 million to Brian Kniffen, a former employee of the East Wenatchee Water District, after ruling he was wrongfully let go due to a job-related spinal injury. The verdict highlights serious concerns regarding compliance with state and federal disability discrimination laws.
The jury concluded that the Water District failed to provide reasonable accommodations for Kniffen, who was employed as a utility field inspector for nearly three decades. His back injury occurred in 2020 when he attempted to open a stuck water main valve. Following his injury, Kniffen requested adjustments to his workload that included limitations on heavy lifting and the manual operation of valves, advice supported by the Department of Labor & Industries.
Initially, the Water District accommodated Kniffen’s requests but reversed its support in November 2021 when he was dismissed. Officials claimed that there were no feasible accommodations available. However, Kniffen’s legal representation, led by Beth Bloom of Bloom Law, argued that the Water District’s failure to invest in a $30,000 powered valve turner—recommended by state labor authorities—was a key factor in their decision.
Bloom emphasized that the technology in question is commonly used by other utilities, raising questions about the Water District’s commitment to employee welfare. “Brian Kniffen was punished for getting hurt at work,” she said, underlining the case’s implications for workplace safety and employee rights.
“This case was never just about me,” Kniffen stated after the verdict. “It was about making sure no one else gets pushed out of a job just for getting injured and asking for help.” His remarks point to a broader concern that similar situations could arise if organizations do not uphold their obligations to support employees who face hardships due to work-related injuries.
The jury’s decision serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accessibility and support for injured workers in all sectors. As discussions about workplace rights continue, the implications of this case will likely resonate throughout Washington and beyond.
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