Tag Archives: disability

New Jersey City Settles With Combat Vet Not Hired as a Firefighter for $415k

A Marine Corps veteran who was passed over by the Paterson Fire Department due to concerns about PTSD has reached a settlement of his discrimination lawsuit for $415,000. Brett D’Alessandro filed suit in 2018 naming the City of Patterson, the mayor, the fire chief, a deputy chief, and the Institute for Forensic Psychology.

Demoted and Suspended Texas Fire Chief Alleges Disability Discrimination

A Texas fire chief who was demoted and later suspended due to health-related concerns, has filed suit alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Fire Chief Mario Escobedo filed suit against the City of Pleasanton alleging violations of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fire Law Roundup for July 1, 2024

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for July 1, 2024, Curt and attorney Bill Podszus discuss a lawsuit filed by seven LA City firefighters injured in the explosion of a CNG powered semi-truck; a litigation mess in Clarksburg, West ...

Baltimore Prevails in Disability Discrimination Suit

The US District Court for the District of Maryland has dismissed a disability discrimination and retaliation suit brought by an EMT with the Baltimore City Fire Department who sought to become a firefighter. Matthew Schaeffer was originally hired by the city in 2015.

Philly BC Alleges Discrimination Over Denial of Gender Affirming Coverage

A Philadelphia battalion chief has filed suit against the city, IAFF Local 22, Local 22’s Health Plan, and Independent Blue Cross alleging gender discrimination by denying her “gender-affirming care and treatment.” The chief, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe, filed suit in US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Fired Colorado Fire Officer Claims Disability Discrimination

A Colorado fire lieutenant who was terminated for failing to comply with requirements associated with his return to duty following a DUI, has filed suit alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Anthony Falbo filed suit in federal court naming the Poudre Fire Authority and the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District as defendants.

North Carolina Firefighter Granted Accommodation on EMT Exam

The North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services has agreed to grant accommodations to a deaf firefighter with a learning disability that will allow him to retake the EMT final exam. Austin Freidt, a volunteer firefighter with the Cornatzer-Dulin Volunteer Fire Department, filed suit in 2021 after having failed the exam “multiple times.”

Fire Law Roundup for July 3, 2023

In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for July 3, 2023, Bill Maccarone and Curt discuss a court decision in the case of a Washington state firefighter who alleges disability discrimination because he cannot take his service dog to work; ...

Washington Court Rules Firefighter’s Service Dog Does Not Need To Be Examined

The US District Court for the Western District of Washington has ruled that a firefighter who sought an accommodation to have a service dog accompany him to work at the firehouse, must himself submit to a psychological exam to confirm his PTSD condition, but his dog need not submit to a service dog evaluation.

Albany Prevails in Discrimination Suit

The US District Court for the Northern District of New York has rejected the discrimination claims of an Albany fire captain who was denied a promotion to battalion chief due to an off-duty incident. Captain Jeremy Clawson claims the City of Albany rescinded a civil service promotion he earned in 2019, because of a disability and his race.

Missouri Jury Awards Medic’s Family $100k in Disability Discrimination Case

A jury has awarded the family of a deceased Kansas City medic $100,000 for disability discrimination and retaliation. The medic died in 2018 from an overdose of prescription medication that the family contends was suicide brought on by workplace bullying.

Court Upholds Dismissal of Florida Battalion Chief

The dismissal of a Florida battalion chief has been upheld by a US District Court. BC William Valencia claims he was terminated by the Haines City Fire Department in retaliation for having sought workers comp for an injury, and that he was the victim of disability discrimination.

Probationary LA County Firefighter Claims Disability Discrimination

A probationary firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department who resigned after just ten months on the job due to stress and harassment, has filed suit against the county claiming disability discrimination. The suit was filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging six counts of employment discrimination under state law.

LA County Firefighter’s Vaccine Mandate Suit Dismissed

A lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles County firefighter challenging the COVID19 vaccine mandate as violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, has been dismissed. Marcia Wilson filed suit in April contending that she was being discriminated against on account of a perceived disability.

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