Workplace disability discrimination suit settled for $160,000

On Behalf of | Sep 25, 2015 | Disability Discrimination |

Being fired by an Indiana employer due to a disability can have a negative impact on a person’s reputation, finances and career prospects in Indiana. One man in an out-of-state case said he experienced this at his company, causing him to file a workplace disability discrimination suit. The suit was recently settled for $160,000.

The man said he had worked for a manufacturer and designer of energy-efficient lights. He then suffered a work injury that caused him to have a mobility impairment. He was required to utilize a wheelchair to move a distance larger than 15 feet.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the company did not grant the man’s request for a door opener that operated automatically. The company also reportedly fired the man due to his disability and also as a way to retaliate against him for asking for reasonable accommodations in light of his disability. Both of these actions violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In addition to paying to settle the workplace disability discrimination lawsuit, the company has agreed to revise its anti-discrimination policies as well as train all staff on these policies. It will also monitor accommodation requests as well as terminations involving employees with disabilities. Workers with disabilities who have been mistreated at work on the basis of their disabilities have the right to seek to hold their employers accountable through the civil court system in Indiana. Knowing exactly which factors have to be proved in order to succeed in this type of case will likely be necessary for individuals interested in filing these types of claims.

Source: sheboyganpress.com, “Orion to pay $160,000 in discrimination suit“, Sept. 9, 2015

Archives

FindLaw Network