Disability discrimination may be a real concern for workers as they age and develop a number of ailments or health concerns. Being terminated because of a health issue or disability is illegal. Beyond that, it can be discouraging to anyone in Colorado who may need to seek medical attention and fears his or her job may be at risk if medical care is sought. One city worker is suing as he contends he was the victim of wrongful termination because of a disability he had to endure.
The man was 65 years old. He worked as a fire dispatch supervisor for 10 years. He suffered a hip and knee injury and did not have surgery out of fear of workplace discrimination. He began to limp as a result of the injury. He was then fired and replaced by a worker who was reportedly 30 years younger.
The man is seeking to have his job back. He also wants $50,000 in damages. He is suing specifically for age discrimination, infliction of emotional distress and wrongful termination based on a disability. He also wants the city staff to engage in some training related to anti-discrimination and harassment.
The inability to do one’s job can impact a person’s job security in Colorado. However, injured or ill workers have rights and protections under the law. When those specific rights and protections are believed to be violated, a wrongful termination suit or a disability discrimination suit may be the primary means of garnering damages or getting reinstated to a position.
Source: cleveland.com, “Former Westlake fire dispatch supervisor sues city for discrimination, wrongful termination“, Chanda Neely, July 17, 2015