A Pennsylvania man alleges he was unjustly terminated after requesting a medical accommodation for his disability. On September 9, 2024, Darrin Chapman filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (UWSP) and Peopleshare Professional.
According to the complaint, Chapman began working remotely for UWSP through Peopleshare in June 2022. His performance was reportedly satisfactory until May 2023 when he was diagnosed with severe shingles affecting his eye. Chapman informed his supervisors about his condition and requested a minor extension to his break times to manage the side effects of his medication, which included temporary vision impairment. Despite providing medical documentation, Chapman's request was initially denied by his team leader, Leland Hendon.
The situation escalated on May 31, 2023, when Chapman reiterated his need for an extended break to his direct supervisor, Cai Evans. Instead of accommodating him, Evans allegedly used derogatory language towards Chapman, calling him "brother" and then suggesting more offensive terms when Chapman objected. Distressed by this interaction, Chapman reported it to higher management and was granted the necessary accommodation by Michele Breisinger on June 1.
However, just hours later, Peopleshare notified Chapman that he had been terminated from UWSP without explanation. The lawsuit claims that this termination was directly linked to Chapman's request for medical accommodation and his complaints about Evans' behavior. The complaint outlines multiple counts of discrimination and retaliation under both federal and state laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).
Chapman is seeking compensatory damages for lost earnings and emotional distress as well as punitive damages under the ADA. He also requests declaratory relief affirming that the defendants' actions were unlawful.
The case is being handled by attorneys Anton Kaminsky and Aubrie Linder from Kaminsky Law LLC. It has been assigned Case ID 2:24-cv-04746 with Judge overseeing the proceedings.