A former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging discrimination based on her disability. Blanca Lule filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on August 27, 2024, against Scholle IPN Corporation, also known as SIG.
According to the complaint, Lule suffers from epilepsy, which is classified as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She began working for Scholle IPN Corporation as a paralegal on November 27, 2023. Despite performing her job duties to expectations and receiving positive feedback from her manager Rachael Sroda and other staff members, Lule experienced a seizure on December 14, 2023. Following this incident, her doctor advised her not to drive for at least six months due to safety concerns.
Lule promptly informed the company's Human Resources Director, Fadil Bushati, about her condition and doctor's advice. She assured Bushati that she would arrange alternative transportation to work on days she was required to be in the office. However, Bushati requested additional documentation from Lule's doctor regarding her ability to perform job functions and when she could resume driving. Despite Lule's clarification that she did not need any accommodation beyond arranging her own transportation, Bushati insisted on obtaining detailed medical information.
On January 9, 2024, due to unsafe weather conditions, Lule requested permission from Sroda to work from home but was denied. After consulting with Bushati again, she was given the option to either work from home or take a personal day. Two days later, during a Microsoft Teams meeting with Sroda and Bushati, Lule was abruptly terminated from her position without prior notice.
The following day, Lule discovered that her health and dental insurance had been canceled two days before her termination date. In response to these events, Lule claims that Scholle IPN Corporation discriminated against her based on her disability by terminating her employment and failing to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Lule seeks various forms of relief from the court including:
- A declaration that Scholle IPN Corporation's practices were unlawful under the ADA.
- An injunction preventing further discriminatory practices.
- Modifications of company policies to ensure compliance with ADA regulations.
- Reinstatement or compensation equivalent to what she would have earned if not for the discrimination.
- Compensation for all damages incurred due to discrimination.
- Payment of litigation costs including attorneys' fees.
- Compensatory and punitive damages along with pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.
Representing Blanca Lule is attorney David B. Levin from the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman P.C., while details about Scholle IPN Corporation’s legal representation remain undisclosed at this time. The case is being overseen by Judge [Name] under Case ID: 1:24-cv-07720.