Woman with MS files workplace disability discrimination suit

On Behalf of | Nov 11, 2015 | Disability Discrimination |

Federal laws protect workers from suffering discrimination based on disabilities in Indiana, as well as all other parts of the United States. One woman in a nearby state recently claimed that while working for the state’s Department of Health & Human Services, she was discriminated against because she has a disability. She has filed a workplace disability discrimination suit against her employer.

The woman, 39, said she had worked for the department since 2000. During the past decade, she was reportedly penalized due to having multiple sclerosis, which is an incurable disorder of the nerves that may cause trouble concentrating, fatigue, numbness and blurred vision. The woman said she was specifically denied promotions and was also written up after taking time off from work to address her sickness.

The department, however, said in court filings that the woman did not receive promotions simply due to the fact that there were candidates who were more qualified. Officials there called her discrimination claims conjecture. They further said that the department is dedicated to providing equal work opportunities and to creating a workforce that is diverse.

As part of her lawsuit, the woman is pursuing $1.3 million, which includes non-economic damages, attorney fees and over $28,000 in wages that she reported as lost due to her denied promotions. When workplace disability discrimination happens, it is within the rights of a victim in Indiana to explore all of his or her legal options. An understanding of the facts that have to be proved in order to succeed in this type of case will most likely be essential.

Source: Detroit Free Press, “Disability worker with MS sues state for discrimination“, Justin A. Hinkley, Oct. 28, 2015

Archives

FindLaw Network