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PENNSYLVANIA RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Franklin County employee alleges disability discrimination

A Chambersburg man is suing Franklin County, alleging his disability and need for accommodations were the reasons he was terminated from his job at a correctional facility.

Bruce Pulchalski filed a lawsuit July 13 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Franklin County, operating as Franklin County Jail, alleging unlawful termination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to the complaint, Pulchalski worked for the defendant as a correctional officer for approximately two years until his termination in July 2014 and was considered a hardworking individual throughout his employment.

The suit states Pulchalski sustained a work-related injury in May 2013 that caused a leg condition that led him to need reasonable accommodations at work as he was limited in his ability to walk, climb stairs and perform manual tasks.

The lawsuit states after Pulchalski he was placed on light duty as result of his health condition he was subjected to a hostile work environment with staff and management of the jail treating him in a rude manner, making discriminatory comments regarding his need for accommodations and giving him demeaning responsibilities. Moreover, he alleges his complaints of the harassment were never properly dealt with and thus the hostile treatment continued.

The lawsuit states shortly after Pulchalski complained about the discrimination and retaliation for requesting workplace accommodations he was terminated for allegedly being insubordinate. The plaintiff alleges he wasn't insubordinate and says he was terminated due to his health conditions, need for accommodations and complaints of disability discrimination and retaliation.

Pulchalski seeks lost wages and benefits, actual and punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. He is represented by attorney Ari R. Karpf of Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti in Bensalem.

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania case number 1:15-cv-01365-YK.

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