A Pennsylvania man has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging discrimination based on his disabilities. Chad Bamat lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on August 12, 2024, accusing Ambassador Home Improvements, Inc., doing business as Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to court documents, Bamat suffers from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conditions that manifest in symptoms including stuttering. Despite these challenges, Bamat claims he was fully capable of performing the duties required for a Canvasser position without any accommodations. He applied for this role in January 2024 and was hired shortly thereafter, beginning his training on January 29.
However, trouble arose during a verbal examination on February 2, part of his training process. Although Bamat demonstrated the necessary technical knowledge, he struggled to deliver his responses flawlessly due to his stutter. Following this exam, he was terminated by the company. The termination letter cited his inability to conduct himself professionally during the exam—a direct reference to his stutter.
Bamat's complaint asserts that this termination constitutes illegal discrimination under the ADA. He argues that he is within the protected class designated by the ADA and that he was qualified for and able to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodation. By terminating him based on his disability, Bamat alleges that Ambassador Home Improvements violated federal law.
The plaintiff initiated a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on February 9, 2024. This charge was later formalized and docketed as Charge No. 533-2024-01170 and cross-filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). On May 17, 2024, Bamat received a Notice of Right to Sue from the EEOC.
In addition to seeking declaratory relief from the court declaring Ambassador Home Improvements' actions as violations of ADA rights, Bamat is pursuing compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits. He also seeks front pay and back pay, damages for emotional distress including embarrassment and humiliation, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred during litigation, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest.
The case is being handled by attorneys Steve T. Mahan (PA 313550), Derrek W. Cummings (PA 83286), Larry A. Weisberg (PA 83410), and Michael J. Bradley (PA 329880) from Weisberg Cummings P.C., located at 2704 Commerce Drive Suite B in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The case ID is Case No: 3:24-cv-00192.