Partial paraplegic engineer gets $425K in San Diego disability discrimination suit
Employees with disabilities deserve to have flourishing careers and opportunities to earn a living, just like anyone else. Unfortunately, far too often workers with disabilities do not fully understand their rights and end up suffering unlawful treatment in the workplace. With sound legal guidance, it is possible to hold employers accountable for their actions.
In a recent disability discrimination case, a former city engineer was awarded a $425,000 settlement from the San Diego City Council after being fired from his job of 28 years. City officials failed to accommodate his workplace needs after a skiing accident left him a partial paraplegic.
Matthew Papuga worked as a structural engineer for San Diego until he was fired in 2017 after a supervisor-requested drug test found a form of valium in his body. Papuga’s doctor had prescribed the drug for recovery from the back surgeries he underwent for his skiing injuries.
According to the lawsuit, Papuga’s doctor said the drugs did not affect his ability to do his job. The lawsuit contended that city officials failed to discuss reasonable accommodations and let the disability discrimination happen even though they knew it was illegal. They should have worked with Papuga to determine ways in which he could complete his job duties while continuing to take the required medication.
It is illegal to fire a worker because of a disability without first discussing reasonable accommodations. These accommodations are various types of assistance that can help the employee continue working. Some examples include installing ramps in the workplace or modifying a work schedule. The city’s Human Resources Department is now carrying out additional staff training and trying to make sure its policies comply with California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Employees who experience disability discrimination on the job should speak to a qualified employment law attorney. Contact Erlich Law Firm to discuss your situation and determine if you have a legal claim for compensation.
Read more
Insights from the Costco Lawsuit: How Medical Leave and Reasonable Accommodations Intersect in California
When a medical crisis hits, workers often assume their employer will follow the law, offer support and make reasonable accommodations. But what happens when the company’s leave policy limits clash with California…
When Algorithms Make the Decisions: What Workers Should Know About AI and Employment Discrimination
Hiring practices have changed dramatically in the last decade. Many job seekers today never speak to a person during the early stages of applying for work. Instead, they interact with software platforms…
Can AI Be Biased? What California Workers Should Know About the New Rules for Hiring Technology
Artificial intelligence has become a major player in the workplace, especially in hiring. Whether you realize it or not, many employers now use automated tools to screen resumes, rank candidates and even…
San Leandro Sushi Restaurant Cited for Wage Theft Over Stolen Tips and Unpaid Overtime
Wage theft is a common issue in California’s restaurant industry, where workers may be paid in cash, often rely on tips and work long or irregular hours. A recent investigation at Angry…
SEEN ON
