PHILADELPHIA – A man is suing his past employer after he alleges he was discriminated against and unfairly terminated because of his disabilities.
William Blakeslee filed a complaint on Dec. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Inc., alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
According to the complaint, Blakeslee, was hired by the defendant in July 2014, and during his time there he worked as a laboratory manager. Blakeslee suffers from diabetes, spinal stenosis and arthritis.
During the application process, the plaintiff underwent drug screening. Before the test, he informed the defendant that he was taking several prescription drugs, he says.
Upon his first day at work, Blakeslee lost consciousness due to his disabilities and was transported to the emergency room, and was then informed that his employment was terminated, he says. The suit states he was replaced by a nondisabled and less-qualified individual.
Blakeslee is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits and legal fees. He is represented by Sidney L. Gold of Sidney L. Gold and Associates PC in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:15-cv-06734