HARRISBURG - The United States has filed a lawsuit against Franklin County alleging its jail failed to make reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee.
Franklin County Jail in Pennsylvania is facing a lawsuit filed Jan. 9 by the United States of America for alleged violations of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, accuses Franklin County Jail of failing to make reasonable accommodations for an employee with known physical and mental limitations.
The complainant, a probationary corrections officer hired in April 2017, began treatment for Lyme Disease in October 2017. This condition resulted in physical disabilities including heart palpitations, debilitating joint pain, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. It also caused mental health disabilities such as depression and anxiety with panic attacks, the suit says.
The complaint alleges that the jail did not accommodate these disabilities. The complainant was cleared to return to work on November 7, 2017, with certain work restrictions recommended by her treating physician due to Lyme Disease.
However, despite providing a doctor's note recommending a light duty schedule of no more than 8 hours per day upon her return, it is implied that these accommodations were not met. The suit says she was penalized for taking days off because of her condition, ultimately being terminated in 2018.
The office of U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam is representing the USA.