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PHILADELPHIA — A former employee of the Best Friends Products Corp. is suing the company for allegations that she was unlawfully fired for her heart condition.
Isaura Pereira filed a lawsuit on March 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Best Friend Products Corp. and William F. Efrain, citing unlawful disability discrimination in violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
According to the complaint, Pereira is a former employee of the defendant, having worked as a warehouse manager from approximately Aug. 6, 2012, until Aug. 16, 2013. Earlier in August 2012, the plaintiff reportedly suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized.
The plaintiff claims that when she attempted to return to work, the defendant told her it was too soon and that she should wait to until her follow-up doctor visit on Sept. 4, 2013. Pereira avers that she received a call from the defendant before the scheduled visit, informing her that she was being terminated for the risk her heart condition posed on her work, despite not having any restrictions from her physician.
Pereira seeks that the defendant be permanently enjoined from future discrimination, compensation for all lost pay and benefits, actual damages, punitive damages, legal relief, costs, expenses, and a trial by jury. She is represented by W. Charles Sipio of Kolman Ely PC, in Pennel, PA.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:16-cv-01392-PD