Michael T. Schmidt has filed a lawsuit against Hill Mechanical Corp., alleging discrimination and wrongful termination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Illinois common law. The complaint was filed on March 18, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The case centers around Schmidt's allegations that he faced discrimination due to his age and disabilities after sustaining work-related injuries that required extensive medical leave. Schmidt claims that upon returning to work in August 2023, he experienced reduced working hours and inadequate equipment compared to his younger, non-disabled colleagues. Despite being qualified for his role as a journeyman plumber, Schmidt alleges that Hill Mechanical Corp. discriminated against him by assigning him older vans and failing to provide necessary tools, thereby hindering his ability to perform his duties effectively.
Schmidt further asserts that he made multiple complaints about this treatment both verbally and in writing, highlighting the discriminatory practices based on age and disability. He contends that these complaints were met with retaliation rather than resolution. On October 10, 2023, Schmidt sent an email expressing his grievances about the discriminatory treatment he was facing at work, only to be terminated later that day under accusations of insubordination—a claim he denies.
The lawsuit outlines several counts against Hill Mechanical Corp., including disability discrimination under the ADA, retaliation for complaining about such discrimination, age discrimination under the ADEA, and retaliatory discharge under Illinois common law for exercising rights related to workers' compensation claims. Schmidt is seeking various forms of relief from the court: reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible; compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Michael T. Schmidt is attorney Michael T. Smith from the Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates PC. The case is presided over by Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre with Case ID 1:25-cv-02846.