SCRANTON — A former manager at a Lackawanna County firm that provides facilities management advice and services alleges he was fired after being diagnosed with epilepsy.
Stephen Evanusa filed a lawsuit against Sovereign Commercial Services, Inc. last month in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania citing a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Evanusa began his work with Sovereign in February 2014, working as a client services manager and a client relationship manager. While on a routine sales call with a co-worker on June 10, 2014, he suffered a seizure and was hospitalized. He was then diagnosed with epilepsy.
On June 17, 2014, Evanusa’s doctor said he could return to work, but with no driving for six months. On June 24, 2014, Evanusa emailed Sovereign for a reasonable accommodation in respect to his disability. On June 27, 2014, Evanusa alleges he received a “Separation Notice” from Sovereign terminating his employment. He also claims that he received a rejection response from Sovereign to his request for accommodation on July 1, 2014 that was dated June 30, 2014.
Evanusa is seeking monetary compensation from Sovereign for all missed pay and benefits, as well as damages, costs and an injunction against the company to ensure it does not continue to violate the ADA. He is represented by Gerald J. Hanchulak of the Hanchulak Law Offices, PC of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.