Benjamin Kelly-Esmaili, a former employee of a well-known beer distribution company, has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. On February 5, 2025, Kelly-Esmaili lodged his complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Louis Glunz Beer Inc., claiming violations of multiple laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).
The case centers around Kelly-Esmaili's allegations that he was wrongfully terminated after suffering a workplace injury. According to the complaint, Kelly-Esmaili sustained severe injuries to his wrist, hand, and spine on February 1, 2023, while working as a Union Route Driver for Louis Glunz Beer Inc. Following this incident, he filed a workers' compensation claim under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. After being off work for seven months due to his injuries, he returned with light duty restrictions but faced hostility from supervisors and managers. He alleges that he was assigned more difficult tasks and subjected to harassment. "Defendant took an 'employee loan' out of his paycheck without consent," states the complaint.
The plaintiff further claims that on April 18, 2024, during a meeting regarding an undisclosed disciplinary action, Michael Doyle, General Manager at Louis Glunz Beer Inc., became physically and verbally aggressive towards him. This altercation led Kelly-Esmaili to call the police. Just days later, on April 23, 2024, he was terminated from his position. The lawsuit accuses Louis Glunz Beer Inc. of retaliating against him for exercising his rights under state law and violating public policy.
Kelly-Esmaili is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 along with other reliefs deemed just by the court. His claims include lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination based on disability discrimination under both federal and state laws.
Representing Benjamin Kelly-Esmaili is attorney Michelle Landon from The Law Office of Michelle Landon LLC. The case is filed under Case No.: 1:25-cv-01244 in front of judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.