A former employee has taken legal action against a car dealership, alleging a series of discriminatory practices that culminated in his wrongful termination. Steven Smith filed a complaint on December 17, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Kunes C of Sycamore Inc., claiming violations under multiple federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
The lawsuit details Smith's tenure as a Sales Manager from April 2023 until his termination in October 2024. During this period, Smith alleges he was subjected to age-based harassment and discrimination due to his heart condition—a recognized disability under ADA guidelines. According to Smith, derogatory comments about his age were made by regional general manager Ron, who referred to him as "Old Man Steve." Despite achieving significant sales success for the company, Smith claims he was demoted just before taking medical leave for heart surgery, which severely impacted his earnings.
Smith further accuses Kunes C of Sycamore Inc. of failing to provide necessary accommodations for his disability. He asserts that despite being eligible for FMLA leave, the company did not inform him of these rights nor accommodate his medical needs appropriately. The complaint states that after returning from surgery-related absences with proper documentation, Smith faced reduced wages and ultimately wrongful termination on October 18, 2024.
In addition to discrimination based on age and disability, Smith contends that he was retaliated against for requesting reasonable accommodations. He claims that other employees who were younger or not disabled did not face similar treatment. The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief including back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Representing Steven Smith is Nathan C. Volheim from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no attorneys are listed for Kunes C of Sycamore Inc. The case is identified as Case No: 3:24-cv-50506 and will be heard by judges assigned within the Northern District of Illinois.