A six-year employee requested an accommodation for a disability. He provided documentation from his doctor indicating that he could not sit for extended periods of time. This included being unable to sit on a train for a 2-hour long commute to the office. A couple of weeks later, the employee was terminated for performance issues.
The former employee filed a discrimination charge with the EEOC. A lawsuit was filed when the parties could not settle the matter through the EEOC. The jury agreed with the former employee and was awarded compensatory damages, his attorney fees, and costs. The amount of the final award was over $200,000.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) coverage would have provided for the costs of settling the claim, including the costs associated with defending the suit. If you would like more information on EPLI coverage, email us, and a local Avalon representative will be in touch with you.