In a compelling legal battle that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by employees with disabilities, Ashley Fairchild has filed a lawsuit against Cardionet, LLC, doing business as Philips North America. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 14, 2025. Fairchild accuses her former employer of discrimination and retaliation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Ashley Fairchild's case is built on allegations that Cardionet, LLC failed to accommodate her chronic neurological conditions—migraines and vertigo—leading to substantial impairments in major life activities such as cognitive function and motor planning. Employed as a patient service representative from October 16, 2023, until her termination on December 13, 2024, Fairchild claims she consistently met performance standards despite her disability. She informed her employer about her condition upon hiring and requested intermittent FMLA leave in September 2024 due to worsening symptoms. Although initially approved for FMLA leave starting October 16, 2024, Fairchild asserts that she was penalized for taking necessary leave before this date.
The plaintiff argues that these penalties constituted adverse employment actions directly linked to her disability-related accommodations. Furthermore, she contends that Cardionet retaliated against her for utilizing FMLA leave by issuing unwarranted disciplinary actions and ultimately terminating her employment under false pretenses of exceeding FMLA limits—a claim she disputes based on the timeline provided.
Fairchild seeks various forms of relief from the court including back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and coverage of legal fees. Her complaint highlights not only alleged violations of ADA provisions regarding discrimination and failure to accommodate but also breaches of FMLA rights concerning interference and retaliation.
Representing Ashley Fairchild is attorney Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details about defense counsel remain undisclosed at this stage. The case is being overseen by judges within the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01599.