Disabled Psychologist’s Claims for Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation against Department of Corrections Fail Despite Providing Doctor’s Notes

As an employee, there may be times when you need an accommodation in the workplace due to a disability.  Sometimes, your employer may ask for a doctor’s note in the course of engaging in the interactive process.  How specific do the doctor’s notes need to be?  A recently published case provides some insight into this question.

Plaintiff John Doe began working at Ironwood State Prison as a psychologist in 2012.  In 2013, he requested to work in a quiet place that allowed him to focus and concentrate.  (more…)

Ninth Circuit Considers Whether Morbid Obesity is a Disability Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Plaintiff Jose Valtierra, a facility maintenance technician, sued his employer Medtronic, Inc. alleging that he was terminated on account of his disability, morbid obesity, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Mr. Valtierra worked for Medtronic, Inc. for about ten years.  By the last year of his employment, he had gained 70 pounds, taken time off due to joint pain, and struggled to walk.  Mr. Valtierra’s supervisor, noticing that the employee was struggling to walk, allegedly became concerned about whether Mr. Valtierra was able to complete his work assignments.  When the supervisor checked the computer system, he discovered that Mr. Valtierra had falsified work records, so Medtronic, Inc. terminated him.

The district court looked at whether Mr. Valtierra suffered from a disability for purposes of the ADA and whether Medtronic’s termination was unlawful.  (more…)