San Antonio Firefighter Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Disability Discrimination, Sex Discrimination, and Retaliation
A San Antonio firefighter and paramedic has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), alleging disability discrimination, sex discrimination, and retaliation arising out of her medical condition and the department’s response to a workers’ compensation claim.
The suit was filed in federal court pro se by Stephanie Lopez, who has worked for SAFD since November 2005, serving as both a firefighter and paramedic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lopez alleges she worked as a paramedic. In August 2022, she was diagnosed with COVID-19, which she contends was contracted in the course of her employment and recognized as an occupational disease under Texas workers’ compensation law.
The complaint alleges that Lopez developed long-term complications following the infection, including symptoms commonly referred to as “Long COVID.” She claims these symptoms substantially limited major life activities such as breathing, concentrating, and stamina, and required medical restrictions while she recovered.
The lawsuit centers on an incident alleged to have occurred on or about October 25, 2024. Lopez claims that SAFD sent two armed arson investigators—each described as her coworkers—to her private residence to personally deliver workers’ compensation documents containing confidential medical and employment information. Lopez alleges that the delivery occurred while she was on medical restriction and recovering from a documented work-related illness, and that similar materials are normally transmitted electronically rather than through in-person delivery.
The complaint characterizes the use of armed investigators to deliver paperwork as “extraordinary” and alleges the action was coercive, intimidating, and retaliatory. Lopez claims the encounter caused fear, humiliation, and distress, particularly because it occurred in front of her minor children and neighbors.
Lopez further alleges that after October 25, 2024, she was subjected to additional retaliatory conduct. The complaint references threats of forced resignation, withdrawal of light-duty assignments, conflicting medical directives, and actions that allegedly placed her at risk of disciplinary consequences. She claims these actions resulted in ongoing emotional and physical harm.
The lawsuit asserts multiple legal claims, including sex discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Lopez alleges she is a member of a protected class based on sex and further claims discrimination under a “sex-plus” theory, asserting she was treated differently as a female and single parent. She contends she was qualified for her position but subjected to adverse employment actions, harassment, and intimidation, including what she describes as an unprecedented home visit by armed coworkers.
In addition, Lopez brings claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. She alleges she is a qualified individual with a disability due to Long COVID, that SAFD had actual knowledge of her medical condition and restrictions, and that the department failed to accommodate her while engaging in discriminatory and harassing conduct.
The complaint also includes a retaliation claim under Texas Labor Code § 451.001, alleging that SAFD retaliated against Lopez because she sought workers’ compensation benefits for an on-the-job injury.
The complaint seeks a jury trial and requests damages including lost wages and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and other relief available under federal and state law, along with attorneys’ fees and costs.
