A former City of Chicago employee has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Marcos Sanchez, represented by attorney Arthur R. Ehrlich of Goldman & Ehrlich, CHTD., filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 12, 2024.
Sanchez, who worked as a security officer in the Department of Aviation for nearly a decade, claims that his employer failed to accommodate his disability and retaliated against him for requesting accommodations. According to the complaint, Sanchez suffers from a permanent disability that affects his breathing, concentration, and bladder control. Despite meeting job performance expectations and providing medical documentation supporting his need for reasonable accommodations, Sanchez alleges that the City of Chicago repeatedly denied his requests.
The complaint details that starting in May 2023, Sanchez requested to be assigned to less stressful posts near bathrooms to manage his condition effectively. These requests were accompanied by statements from his medical provider. However, the city allegedly refused these accommodations and instead moved him to high-stress areas far from restrooms. On June 23, 2023, when Sanchez mentioned he could not always work overtime due to his condition, the city reportedly insisted that such accommodations could only be addressed under the Family Medical Leave Act.
Sanchez further claims that other non-disabled employees were assigned to the specific posts he had requested as reasonable accommodations. By August 25, 2023, despite ongoing efforts and additional medical documentation provided throughout June, July, and August of 2023, Sanchez's requests remained unapproved. The city's alleged failure to engage in an interactive process or provide any indication of approval forced Sanchez into what he describes as constructive termination on August 25.
The lawsuit accuses the City of Chicago of violating multiple federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII by discriminating against Sanchez based on his disability and retaliating against him for seeking accommodations. The plaintiff is seeking actual damages exceeding $60,000 for lost salary and employment benefits along with compensatory damages amounting to $300,000. Additionally, Sanchez demands punitive damages worth $300,000 for willful and malicious actions by the defendant.
Represented by Arthur R. Ehrlich from Goldman & Ehrlich law firm in Chicago (53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 815), Marcos Sanchez is demanding a jury trial for this case identified as Case No.: 24-cv-4885.