Disability Discrimination

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In Natofsky v. City of New York, 2019 WL 1715951 (2d Cir. April 18, 2019), the Second Circuit, inter alia, held that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employs the (relatively strict) “but for” causation standard. From the decision: Having determined that the ADA does not incorporate Title VII’s mixed-motive standard, the remaining question is…

Read More 2d Circuit Holds That the ADA Requires “But For” Causation
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In Alexander Guerrero Toro v. Northstar Demolition & Remediation, 2019 WL 1396751 (W.D.N.Y. March 28, 2019), the court, inter alia, dismissed plaintiff’s claim of a disability-based hostile work environment claim. From the decision: Plaintiff testified that he was subject to workplace harassment because he was assigned to jobs he could not complete, his supervisors wanted…

Read More Asbestos Handler’s Disability-Based Hostile Work Environment Claim Dismissed
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In Noel v. Wal-Mart Stores, East LP, 18-1139-cv (2d Cir. March 11, 2019) (Summary Order), the Second Circuit, inter alia, vacated the lower court’s dismissal of plaintiff’s complaint. Plaintiff, who held the position of pharmacist manager, suffered from trypanophobia (or needle phobia). He sought an exemption from an alteration of his job description that would…

Read More 2d Circuit Overturns Dismissal of Disability Discrimination Complaint by Needle-Fearing Pharmacist
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In Hazelwood v. Highland Hospital, 17-4139 (2d Cir. March 1, 2019) (Summary Order), the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of plaintiff’s (a deaf woman) claims of failure to accommodate and unlawful retaliation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The court provides some guidance as to what qualifies as an ADA “reasonable accommodation”: A reasonable…

Read More 2d Circuit: Disability Accommodation (Effective, Though Not Preferred) Was ADA-Compliant
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In a recently-filed complaint – captioned Stover v. Amazon.com, LLC et al, 19-cv-00054 (E.D.Ky Feb. 15, 2019) – the plaintiff alleges that the defendants subjected him to discrimination based on his disability (Chron’s disease). Plaintiff claims, specifically, that defendants terminated him because of “time theft” due to “excessive bathroom breaks” – which, he contends, were…

Read More Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Against Amazon
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In Duarte v. St. Barnabas Hospital, 15-CV-6824, 2018 WL 4440501 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 17, 2018) – a disability discrimination case – the court held, inter alia, that a jury award of $750,000 for punitive damages was too high, and that $125,000 was more appropriate. The court explained, inter alia, that “[u]nder the [New York City Human Rights…

Read More Court Explains Remittitur of $750,000 Punitive Damages Award in Disability Discrimination Case
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In Duarte v. St. Barnabas Hospital, 15-CV-6824, 2018 WL 4440501 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 17, 2018) – a disability discrimination case – the court held, inter alia, that a jury award of $624,000 for compensatory/emotional distress damages was too high, and that $125,000 was more appropriate. To do this, the court employed the procedural mechanism of “remittitur.” After explaining…

Read More Court Explains Remittitur of $624,000 Emotional Distress Damages Award to $125,000 in Disability Discrimination Case
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Federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws prohibit discrimination based on, among other factors, “disability.” That term is, in turn, defined in the statutes themselves. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C.A. § 12101 et seq., defines a “disability” as: “(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major…

Read More Is Obesity a “Disability” Under the Anti-Discrimination Laws?
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Sadly, George H.W. Bush – the 41st President of the United States – died on November 30, 2018. One of his accomplishments was his signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC § 12101 et seq., on July 26, 1990. The ADA – which was amended/overhauled in 2008 – is a significant…

Read More RIP George H.W. Bush, Signer of the Americans with Disabilities Act
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In Matter of 130-10 Food Corp. v. New York State Div. of Human Rights, 2018 NY Slip Op 08123 (App. Div. 2nd Dept. Nov. 28, 2018), the court held that employment (disability) discrimination claim should be dismissed on statute-of-limitations grounds. The court explained: “Pursuant to Executive Law § 297(5), a complainant seeking redress under the [New…

Read More Disability Discrimination Claim Dismissed Against One Respondent as Time Barred; “Relation Back” Doctrine Inapplicable
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