In a compelling case that highlights the ongoing struggles faced by employees with disabilities, Kayla Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit against PDJ Entertainment, Inc., doing business as Savannah’s on Hanna. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on August 6, 2024, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).
Kayla Rodriguez, represented by Ari R. Karpf of Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., claims that she experienced severe workplace discrimination and retaliation due to her disability. Rodriguez began working as a bartender for PDJ Entertainment on January 14, 2023. She was initially hired by former General Manager Tyler McConnell and former Bar Manager Jillian Boyer, who were aware of her recent cancer diagnosis affecting her throat and vocal cords. This condition made it difficult for her to speak—a significant limitation under the ADA.
Rodriguez informed management about her need for surgery in May 2023 and was promised reasonable accommodation by being assigned to work at the quieter back bar instead of the front bar, which had loudspeakers that strained her vocal cords. However, upon returning from surgery in late May 2023, Rodriguez found herself scheduled at the front bar again. This led to immediate health issues as she lost her voice after just one night.
Despite medical advice warning of permanent damage if she continued working at the front bar, Rodriguez's requests for continued accommodation were ignored or inadequately addressed. Her Saturday shifts at the back bar were reassigned to another bartender who did not require such accommodations. Additionally, after undergoing radiation treatment in August 2023, Rodriguez faced hostile comments from Lead Bartender Raven Jenks and further discriminatory scheduling practices.
The situation escalated when Floor Manager Victor Sesay issued a write-up for alleged tardiness weeks after the incident occurred—a move Sesay himself admitted was unjustified but mandated by higher management. A subsequent meeting with owner Phil Dobson yielded no substantial resolution; instead, Rodriguez was relegated to shifts at "the Den," a low-volume sports bar where tips were minimal.
Rodriguez asserts that these actions constitute violations of multiple provisions under the ADA: failure to accommodate her disability, retaliation for requesting accommodations and complaining about ADA violations, and creating a hostile work environment. She seeks compensatory damages for lost earnings and benefits due to discriminatory practices since May 2023. Additionally, she demands punitive damages to deter future misconduct by PDJ Entertainment or other employers.
Represented by Ari R. Karpf from Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti P.C., Kayla Rodriguez is determined to hold PDJ Entertainment accountable for their actions under Case No.: 1:24-cv-01319-JPW before Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.