After Having A Panic Attack Caused By The Surprise Birthday Party Organized At His Office, Man Is Unfairly Fired For His Behavior, And Sues The Company

Most people can't help but feel nervous in social situations. For instance, going on first dates or presenting a proposal during a meeting can be quite nerve-wracking.

However, when a person has a social anxiety disorder, certain interactions can cause a significant amount of self-consciousness and uneasiness. This mental health condition can be chronic.

Discomfort and shyness in some social environments aren't definitive symptoms of social anxiety disorder, especially in children. Since people have different personalities, some can be friendly and outgoing while others are reserved.

Unlike the typical nervousness people experience, social anxiety disorder can negatively impact daily living, relationships, work, and various activities. Today, we're examining the story of an employee who made it clear to his colleagues that he didn't want a birthday party thrown for him at work because he suffers from panic attacks and an anxiety disorder.

The people at the company didn't listen and organized a party for him anyway. Just as he predicted, he had a panic attack during the event.

It's important to remember that panic attacks can become serious as they manifest in a range of physical symptoms. Shortness of breath, choking, the feeling of losing consciousness, and chest pain can occur during a panic attack.

As a result, he sued the company. Fortunately, he won the case and received $450,000 in compensation.

Kevin Berling was an employee of Gravity Diagnostics.

helenmoverland

The company regularly held small parties for its employees to celebrate their birthdays during lunch breaks.

tieshatwo

With that knowledge, Berling informed his manager not to throw a party for him because of his condition.

tieshatwo

The manager listened to Berling.

Unfortunately, she forgot to inform others, and after five days, a party was held for Berling. His panic attacks began, so he had no choice but to return to his car.

tieshatwo

The next day, his utterly insensitive boss made unfair criticisms.

He was told that he was being childish and that he had taken away the joy from his coworkers.

abenyola

Too much attention is something that Berling can't handle. That's why he informed his manager about his condition.

Chriswb71

The way he was treated after the party triggered another panic attack.

Berling's lawyer, Tony Butcher, explains that during panic attacks, his client hugs himself to cope with his condition. Instead of understanding Berling's plight, they simply told him to stop, but since he couldn't, they just walked away.

tieshatwo

To his coworkers, it appeared as though he was enraged.

lolatiffhur

As a result, Berling's key was taken away, and he was banned from entering the workplace.

randy_otto

Berling was sent home. He was also informed of his termination due to the events of the past week.

smbrnjd

The ex-employee sued the company for violating the Kentucky Civil Rights Act because he was unfairly fired due to his disability, and they threw a birthday party against his wishes.

GenesisNotSega

The company defended itself by claiming that Berling was unable to prove his disability and that the workplace wasn't safe with his presence.

SpaghettiWolf69

Berling won the case because the jury proved that he suffers from a disability and that the company failed to provide a safe environment for his condition.

Lindsey Turner

The company had to settle a total of $450,000, which included lost wages and benefits, plus damages resulting from the incidents.

UmbireTheShade

The story gained widespread attention, and mental illnesses became a topic of discussion online.

forthecomments1

People also talked about listening to others' requests, appreciating employees for their hard work, and respecting boundaries.

GettinSpooky

Many people could relate to Berling because they also disliked being the center of attention.

ViolaS_1

Online, people acknowledged what Berling was going through.

TruantAfterglow

According to an expert, the company should have done its best to accommodate the condition after the manager was informed about it.

pasta_jin_

For example, companies can implement programs that provide individuals with mental health conditions access to licensed professionals.

Khryswithak

The topic became a hot discussion on Twitter.

RK_Rowan69

Overall, people criticized the company for the incident.

Skye_Birdsong

Every mental health condition should be taken seriously by employers.

If Berling's manager had informed others about his condition and the party hadn't been held, it wouldn't have been a problem. Instead of being discriminatory by firing him, the company should have initiated efforts to create an environment where individuals with mental health issues can thrive.