Multiple Sclerosis Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (”EEOC”) attorneys filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against a medical transcription company alleging that the company violated federal law when it refused to hire a medical transcriptionist to a full time job because of its stereotypes about people with multiple sclerosis.  According to the EEOC’s October 9, 2009 Press Release, agency attorneys charge that the company denied a full time position to a woman with multiple sclerosis, saying they did not want to “stress her out” with the responsibilities of a full time position, even though she had worked at the company for several years and was regularly assigned to work more than 60 hours a week as a part-time editor.  See, http://www.eeoc.gov/press/10-9-09e.html .  As stated in Press Release, the employee had nearly 20 years as a medical transcriptionist and as an editor and was physically capable and willing to perform the duties.  However, the EEOC contends that the company ignored her requests for a full time job and hired other persons with less experience.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (”ADA”) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a qualified individual because of a disability, and, in this regard, the EEOC is a federal agency which enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including workplace disability bias.  In fiscal year 2008, disability based charges rose to a record 19,543, up 10.2% from the prior year and the highest level since 1995.  Further information about the EEOC is available in the agency’s website at www.eeoc.gov . 

Whether unlawful workplace disability discrimination against individuals with multiple sclerosis occurs in Houston or elsewhere, multiple sclerosis bias victims may contact the EEOC and an attorney to determine if a multiple sclerosis disability discrimination lawsuit is ultimately appropriate under the particular facts and circumstances of the potential employment discrimination claim.