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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Friday, November 8, 2024

Plaintiff alleges healthcare logistics company failed to accommodate disabilities

Federal Court
Chicago federal courthouse flamingo from rear

A former employee has taken legal action against a healthcare logistics company, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to his disabilities. On October 31, 2024, Kevin Bogusz filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Medspeed, LLC. The lawsuit claims that Medspeed violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against Bogusz based on his disabilities, failing to provide reasonable accommodations, harassing him due to his disabilities, and retaliating against him for seeking accommodations.

According to the complaint, Bogusz was employed as a systems administrator by Medspeed starting December 7, 2022. Despite suffering from ADHD, depression, and anxiety—conditions recognized under the ADA—Bogusz asserts he was fully capable of performing his job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The situation escalated in January 2023 when Bogusz's supervisor became aware of his disabilities. By January 2024, Bogusz was assigned an automation project but faced challenges due to unfamiliar software and inadequate support from colleagues.

The complaint details how Bogusz's requests for assistance were met with resistance from Medspeed. Instead of receiving support, he was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which he believes was a direct consequence of seeking help beyond his immediate supervisor. In March 2024, during a severe flare-up of his conditions that required emergency medical attention, Bogusz continued to request help but received little response.

In May 2024, while on vacation and after meeting PIP requirements according to him—but allegedly not according to HR Director Zach Matukewicz—Bogusz was forced onto leave using his paid time off despite having a doctor's note clearing him for work. Upon returning, he experienced delays in regaining work credentials and had additional meetings emphasizing stress reduction rather than addressing accommodation needs.

The complaint alleges that these actions culminated in wrongful termination on August 14, 2024. Despite assurances from team members about job security earlier that day, Bogusz's position was eliminated—a decision he attributes entirely to discrimination based on his disability and previous protected activities under the ADA.

Bogusz is seeking several forms of relief from the court: back pay with interest; front pay; compensation for lost benefits; compensatory and punitive damages; attorney fees; costs; pre-judgment interest if applicable; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

Representing Kevin Bogusz is Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no attorneys are listed for Medspeed at this stage. The case has been filed under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11257.

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