On July 11, 2024, Wigdor LLP filed a suit against Regeneron and Ashutosh Katiyar for terminating Joanne Kim, the Director of Customer Insights & Analytics who successfully built the Company’s Competitive Intelligence program, after they learned that she needed to take a medical leave to help care for her child with significant disabilities.
Specifically, on February 5, 2024, Ms. Kim sent an email to her boss Mr. Katiyar, asking for his “support as [her] family is dealing with some serious health concerns related to [her] child.” She simply requested flexibility in her schedule. Knowing that her request would likely enrage Mr. Katiyar, who had previously berated Ms. Kim for taking medical leave, she assured him that she “take[]s her position very seriously, and will work hard to make meetings and deadline.” Four days later, Katiyar fired Ms. Kim.
The Complaint can be read here.
Quote from Wigdor Partner Valdi Licul and Of Counsel Monica Hincken:
“Unfortunately, Ms. Kim’s experience is not a unique one for parents of children with special needs and disabilities. We look forward to holding Regeneron and Mr. Katiyar accountable for their abhorrent treatment of Ms. Kim and her family.”
Quote from Plaintiff Joanne Kim:
“No parent should ever have to choose between their job and taking care of a sick child. And no employee should ever be screamed at and berated for requiring a medical leave of any kind. I devoted endless hours to Regeneron and did so very successfully. It was not until I took medical leave and Regeneron became aware about my child’s health needs that I became dispensable to the Company.”
Any questions can be directed to attorney Monica Hincken (mhincken@wigdorlaw.com) or Communications Manager Courtney Cormican (ccormican@wigdorlaw.com).