A former employee is taking legal action against a global digital business services company, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Daniel Egebrecht filed a complaint on September 30, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against TPUSA, Inc., operating as Teleperformance USA. The lawsuit claims violations of both the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Daniel Egebrecht, a resident of Belvidere, Illinois, accuses his former employer Teleperformance USA of discriminating against him due to his stage four rectal cancer diagnosis. Egebrecht worked remotely as an Activation Specialist from October 14, 2022, until February 5, 2024. During his employment, he informed his employer about his biweekly chemotherapy treatments scheduled on Monday mornings. Despite notifying his manager Alise Bitner about potential late starts due to medical procedures, Egebrecht faced suspension and eventual termination after missing a meeting that coincided with his chemotherapy session.
The plaintiff argues that the defendant's actions constitute unlawful discrimination under both state and federal laws. According to the complaint, Egebrecht had requested to reschedule a meeting set for February 5, 2024—outside his regular work hours—due to chemotherapy but was terminated shortly after for not attending it. He claims this decision was discriminatory and retaliatory since he had previously communicated his medical needs to the company.
Egebrecht seeks several forms of relief from the court: a declaration that Teleperformance violated IHRA and ADA provisions; compensation for lost wages and emotional distress; reinstatement or front pay; litigation expenses; attorneys' fees; and any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Egebrecht are attorneys Alexis D. Martin and Amanda Burns from Caffarelli & Associates Ltd., based in Chicago. The case is identified as Case No. 1:24-cv-09149.