Ryan Lewis has filed a federal lawsuit against Wrigley Manufacturing Company, LLC, alleging discrimination and retaliation in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint was filed on January 30, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Lewis accuses his former employer of failing to accommodate his disability and retaliating against him for seeking such accommodations.
The case revolves around Lewis's employment as a general laborer at Wrigley Manufacturing Company from November 2023 until his termination in October 2024. According to the complaint, Lewis suffers from anxiety, a condition that substantially limits major life activities such as cognitive functions and self-care. Despite this, he claims he was able to perform his job duties effectively with reasonable accommodations. In May or June 2024, Lewis informed his supervisors about his condition and requested accommodations when necessary. However, on September 24, 2024, when he asked to step out briefly to take anxiety medication during an impending panic attack, his request was denied by a supervisor named Cody. Furthermore, Cody allegedly disclosed Lewis's private medical information without consent.
Lewis contends that after questioning Cody's actions—an act he believes is protected under the ADA—his work schedule was reduced significantly without explanation. He also claims that following this incident, he faced wrongful termination based on false allegations of threatening behavior. The lawsuit argues that these actions were discriminatory and retaliatory responses to his disability and accommodation requests.
In response to these grievances, Lewis seeks various forms of relief from the court. These include back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, as well as attorney fees and costs associated with the lawsuit.
Representing Ryan Lewis is Mohammed O. Badwan from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details about Wrigley Manufacturing Company's legal representation remain undisclosed in the filing. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:25-cv-01045.