An age discrimination lawsuit has been filed against a transportation company, alleging unfair hiring practices and retaliation. On September 17, 2024, Bensimon Chourafi lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against EMR Express, Inc., accusing the company of violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
According to the complaint, Chourafi applied for a truck driver position with EMR Express on August 5, 2024. Despite his extensive qualifications—including eleven years of experience and a clean driving record—his application was rejected. The recruiter, identified only as Dan, allegedly told Chourafi that he was "old," indicating that his age was the reason for the rejection. Chourafi immediately complained about this discriminatory remark but received no response from the company.
Chourafi's complaint details how he believes EMR Express engaged in age-based harassment and discrimination by treating him less favorably than younger applicants. He asserts that his qualifications met or exceeded those required for the position but were overlooked solely due to his age. This treatment has reportedly caused him significant emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
The lawsuit further alleges that EMR Express retaliated against Chourafi for complaining about the age-based discrimination. According to Chourafi, after he voiced his concerns to the recruiter, no investigation was conducted by the company into his claims. Instead, he continued to face adverse actions, culminating in the denial of employment.
Chourafi is seeking various forms of relief from the court: back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, loss of benefits, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.
Representing Chourafi is attorney Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre is overseeing the case under Case ID 1:24-cv-08508.