A former employee is taking legal action against a major telecommunications company, alleging discrimination due to his medical condition. Miguel Castillo filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 20, 2024, against Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless.
Castillo's lawsuit claims that Verizon Wireless violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by terminating his employment after he requested reasonable accommodations for his chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). According to the complaint, Castillo had been working remotely from Aurora, Illinois, and had been employed by Verizon since around 2007. His most recent role was as a Chat Tech. Despite fulfilling his job responsibilities satisfactorily, Castillo alleges that on January 29, 2024, he submitted an Accommodation Request form to Verizon. This request sought additional bathroom breaks due to his CIC condition—a recognized disability under ADA guidelines—as supported by medical documentation from Dr. Sean Kennedy.
The complaint further details that Castillo was terminated on February 9, 2024, under allegations of customer abuse through invalid transfers. However, Castillo argues these transfers were necessary due to his frequent need for bathroom breaks—needs explicitly outlined in both his accommodation request and Dr. Kennedy’s supporting medical questionnaire. Castillo asserts that Verizon's actions were discriminatory and in violation of ADA provisions which protect employees with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations.
In seeking justice from the court, Castillo requests several forms of relief: a declaration that Verizon's practices were unlawful under the ADA; an injunction preventing further discriminatory practices; reinstatement or compensation equivalent to what he would have earned without discrimination; and damages covering lost wages and other benefits. Additionally, Castillo seeks compensatory and punitive damages along with coverage for litigation costs including attorney fees.
Representing Miguel Castillo is attorney David B. Levin from the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman P.C., based in Northbrook, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-13095 but does not yet list a presiding judge.