Outback Steakhouse must pay $65,000 to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of an employee with who had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Disability discrimination violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, former Outback Steakhouse server, John Woods was fired days after a new manager took over because of his disability, even though Woods had not had any complaints from his former manager.
After the court denied Outback’s motion for summary judgment, Outback agreed to a 24-month consent decree that requires the company to pay Woods $65,000; revise its policies concerning disability discrimination; train its managers on the laws prohibiting disability discrimination; and post notices regarding employees’ rights under the ADA.
“Managers cannot fire employees because of their mistaken beliefs about what individuals with disabilities can accomplish,” said EEOC Phoenix District Director, Rayford Irvin.
If you have suffered discrimination or wrongful termination, please call Los Angeles Employment Attorney, Todd M. Friedman for a free consultation at 877-449-8898.
