In Bustos v. Global P.E.T. (2018) 19 CA5 th 558 an employee who proved discrimination as a motivating factor due to his disability (carpal tunnel syndrome vs. employer who said it was an economic lay off) lost an award of attorneys fees and costs under Harris v. City of Santa Monica (2013) 56 CA4th 203 because he did not win any monetary damages even if discrimination was a motivating factor because Harris only says the court “may” award fees, not that it is mandatory.
Also, under contract law, courts have discretion when neither side achieved a complete victory. (Marina Pacifica HOA v. Southern Californian Financial (2018) 20 CA5th 191(