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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Healthcare Company Accused of Race-Based Discrimination

Federal Court
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A new lawsuit has been filed alleging race-based discrimination by a healthcare company. Donjeaneau Domio filed the complaint against Vital Home & Healthcare, Incorporated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 28, 2024.

According to the complaint, Domio, an African American woman with extensive healthcare experience, was offered a position as a Home Health RN by Vital Home & Healthcare on May 13, 2024. Initially, she was informed of specific hourly rates for various types of visits and tasks. However, after meeting with the company's owner and disclosing her race, these rates were significantly reduced. Domio claims that this reduction in pay is directly tied to her race and constitutes illegal discrimination under both Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VII of the same act.

The plaintiff's allegations are supported by a series of events that unfolded after her initial job offer. After being recommended for the position by Amy Zavesky, the Director of Nursing's daughter, Domio was informed about hourly rates ranging from $65 to $100 depending on the task. Following an in-person meeting with owner Asim Farooqi, she received a voicemail instructing her to reconnect with Zavesky due to a "mix-up" regarding these rates. Subsequently, she was informed that her pay would be reduced across all categories.

Domio further alleges that a Caucasian friend who interviewed for the same position shortly after her was offered higher rates despite having less relevant experience. This friend confirmed that other Caucasian employees were receiving similar pay rates to those initially offered to Domio before they were reduced. The complaint asserts that this disparity in treatment based on race led Domio to decline the modified job offer as no reasonable person could accept such discriminatory terms.

In seeking redress from the court, Domio requests back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, payment of interest on back pay recoverable, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.

Representing Domio are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Sophia K. Steere from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details about representation for Vital Home & Healthcare are not provided in this document. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-05504.

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