Since April 1, 2009, plaintiff Rashid Alatraqchi, 47, a taxi driver for Metro Cab LLC, was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse, consisting of slurs and derogatory comments, based on his race, religion and national origin. He claimed the verbal abuse was made by Metro Cab’s owner, Richard Hybels. Alatraqchi claimed that after he notified Hybels that the verbal abuse was unacceptable, the behavior continued and, in January 2010, Hybels terminated the agreement between him and Metro Cab concerning leasing taxicabs, accidents, loss and independent contractor status. Alatraqchi sued Hybels and Metro Cab, and the matter proceeded to a bench trial. Alatraqchi, appearing pro se, alleged that Hybels and Metro Cab subjected him to a hostile work environment and that their actions constituted intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defense counsel contended that many of the taxi drivers at Metro Cab were of the same race, religion and national origin as Alatraqchi. These drivers testified on behalf of defense, denying any alleged hostile work environment. Counsel also contended that Alatraqchi’s contract was canceled in January 2010 as a result of Alatraqchi’s poor history as a taxicab driver and being involved in numerous motor vehicle accidents. In addition, counsel contended that Alatraqchi never raised any complaints while a driver at Metro Cab and only raised the allegations after the cancelation of his contract in January 2010. Thus, defense counsel denied all of Alatraqchi’s claims as fabrications and moved for non-suit., Alatraqchi sought compensation for his past and future wage loss and other damages he attributed to the defendants. He also sought compensation for his medical bills and other costs from motor vehicle accidents that occurred while he drove Metro Cab’s taxis.