In a dramatic legal battle, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, alleging wrongful termination due to discrimination associated with his son's disability. The complaint was filed by Robert Adam Tucker in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 3, 2024, targeting the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, commonly known as Amtrak.
The case unfolds with Tucker's assertion that he was unjustly terminated from his position at Amtrak after taking necessary leave to care for his disabled son. Tucker had been employed by Amtrak since May 27, 2022, and began working on June 27 of the same year. With over 16 years of experience in railroad management, he was soon entrusted with increased managerial responsibilities. However, Tucker's personal life required urgent attention when he obtained full custody of his son in August 2022. During this period, he informed Amtrak management about his son's disability and took time off to manage related matters.
Despite being encouraged by senior management to apply for a promotion due to his extensive experience, Tucker faced an unexpected turn of events. On October 3, 2022, an emergency concerning his son's health prompted him to take a week off work. Upon returning on October 10, he was met with termination—a decision he claims was influenced by discriminatory practices due to his association with a person with a disability.
Tucker accuses Amtrak of violating both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act. He argues that similarly situated employees were not subjected to similar disciplinary actions for comparable or worse violations. The complaint alleges that Amtrak's reasons for terminating him were either false or pretextual and rooted in discrimination linked to his son's condition.
In seeking justice, Tucker demands compensation for past and future wage losses, lost earning capacity, emotional distress damages such as shame and humiliation, and punitive damages intended to punish Amtrak for its alleged misconduct. Additionally, he seeks equitable relief including reinstatement and removal of any related disciplinary records.
Representing Tucker are attorneys Ryan M. Furniss from The Furniss Law Firm LLC and Salvador J. Lopez from Robson & Lopez LLC. The case is identified under Case No. 1:24-cv-12427 and awaits judgment in the Northern District of Illinois court system.