Senior Living Center Agrees To Settle Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc. has agreed to pay $112,500 plus other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC.  The lawsuit alleged that Brookdale discriminated against an employee who suffered from fibromyalgia.  She had requested a temporary modified work schedule, an ergonomic chair, and adjustments to the lighting in her office.  Brookdale forced the employee to stay on leave until she could return without any restrictions or accommodations.  She continued to request accommodations and was subsequently fired.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations should be granted unless it would create an undue hardship for the employer.  Additionally, an employer may not fire an employee for exercising her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  See EEOC v. Brookdale Senior Living Communities, Inc., No. 14-cv-02643-KMT (D. Colo.).