Employment discrimination cases are very individual to the person’s unique situation. Those who are discriminated against in the workplace come from all walks of life. It’s hard to imagine that someone with a documented disability would be discriminated against, but it happens every year across the country.
When hearing about disability discrimination, someone in a wheelchair may come to mind or someone with a noticeable physical impairment. But it’s very important to remember that disabilities can come in many different forms. For example, what if an employee has a documented mental disability that the employer does not care to take into consideration?
This issue is currently a part of an employment discrimination lawsuit in another state. The lawsuit was filed in late December against a medical center. The lawsuit alleges that the Americans with Disabilities Act was violated.
According to the case, a graduate student started working in the pediatrics department of the medical center in 2006. The graduate took a leave of absence in 2008 and successfully battled attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as depression. After she returned to work, she was put on “a heavy rotation of cases” which caused her to relapse. She eventually faced a competency hearing due to charges of having a lack of work ethic and unprofessional behavior. That hearing resulted in her suspension the same year.
The woman is seeking compensation which includes reinstatement, back pay, legal interest and costs related to litigation.
Documented disabilities, whether physical or mental, should never be discounted in the workplace. An employee should never have to fear that they will lose their job because of their medical condition.
