Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Florida Worker in Disability Discrimination Claim

On March 20th, 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that the agency scored a significant legal victory on behalf of a disabled worker in Florida. In the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, a judge determined that UPS violated the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) when it failed to accommodate and later fired a disabled employee. Here, our Florida employee rights lawyers discuss the matter and explain the steps that you should take if you believe that you were unlawfully denied a reasonable accommodation.

UPS Failed to Accommodate and Fired Florida Worker with Diabetes 

The EEOC filed a disability discrimination claim on behalf of a worker at a UPS facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The worker had been diagnosed with diabetes. He notified his supervisor of his medical condition and requested a reasonable accommodation. The request was for an occasional short break to check his blood sugar levels. A HR supervisor reportedly called him “a liability.” He was terminated from his position.

The EEOC filed an employment discrimination lawsuit under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Upon review of the matter, a federal judge ruled against the employer. The judge emphasized that the ADA requires employers to engage in a good faith, interactive bargaining process to find an effective reasonable accommodation for a disabled employee. UPS failed to do so. Further proceedings have been scheduled to determine the appropriate remedy.

 What to Do If Your Employer Denied a Reasonable Accommodation 

A reasonable accommodation helps to ensure that disabled workers have access to fair and equitable workplace opportunities. If you have a disability and your employer has denied a reasonable accommodation in Florida, it is essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here is what you can do if your employer has denied your request for a reasonable accommodation: 

• Review the Situation: Ensure that your request was clear and specific. If denied, verify if your employer has a legitimate reason for the denial, such as undue hardship.
• Try to Engage in an Interactive Process: Discuss your needs and potential alternatives with your employer. Be open to finding a mutually agreeable solution. An employer is not required to provide any specific accommodation, but they must find one that works.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all communication regarding the request. Gather evidence to support your need for the accommodation. The more information that you have, the better position that you will be in to get justice.
• Seek Professional Legal Help: Consult an attorney experienced in disability discrimination cases to evaluate your options and potentially file a lawsuit.

Get Help From a Disability Discrimination Lawyer in Florida 

Disability discrimination is barred by the ADA. If you or your loved one is a job applicant or employee who was subject to disability discrimination by an ADA-covered employer, please do not hesitate to contact our Florida employee rights law firm for immediate assistance.