Pioneer Health Services Accused of Disability Discrimination

March 3, 2017

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a discrimination lawsuit against Pioneer Health Services Inc., a healthcare company in rural Georgia, alleging it unlawfully discriminated against an employee due to her disability.

A social worker and therapist for Pioneer Health Services became ill in July 2012 and was hospitalized as a result of liver failure. She took medical leave from the company during this time. After her procedure, she was slated to return to work, however, she had postoperative complications. According to the EEOC, the woman asked Pioneer Health for an additional four weeks of leave. The company allegedly denied her request and fired her.

The EEOC district direct issued the following statement:

The ADA and Family and Medical Leave Act operate independently of each other. Where an employee has exhausted her FMLA leave and she requests additional leave, the employer must engage in the interactive process to determine whether additional leave under the ADA is warranted.

The EEOC seeks monetary damages, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief.

If you or someone you care for has been discriminated against or treated unfairly in the workplace because of a disability, you have the right to take legal action against your employer. Our Florida Discrimination Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you figure out if you have a valid claim and how to proceed. We will hear your case, and work with your employer, and make sure that your rights under the ADA and FMLA are enforced.

For a free consultation, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We can begin helping you right away, so it is best to not delay.