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A former security officer for the City of Chicago has initiated a lawsuit against the city, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. Marcos Sanchez, represented by attorney Arthur R. Ehrlich of Goldman & Ehrlich, filed the complaint on June 12, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Sanchez, who served as a security officer in the Department of Aviation for almost a decade, claims his employer failed to accommodate his disability and retaliated when he requested these accommodations. According to the lawsuit, Sanchez suffers from a permanent disability affecting his breathing, concentration, and bladder control. Despite meeting job performance standards and providing medical documentation for his accommodation needs, Sanchez alleges the City of Chicago consistently denied his requests.
Starting in May 2023, Sanchez asked to be assigned to less stressful posts near bathrooms to manage his condition. These requests were supported by his medical provider’s statements. However, the city allegedly refused these accommodations, instead assigning him to high-stress areas far from restrooms. On June 23, 2023, when Sanchez mentioned his inability to work overtime due to his condition, the city reportedly insisted such accommodations could only be addressed under the Family Medical Leave Act.
Sanchez claims that other non-disabled employees were given the specific posts he had requested as accommodations. Despite his continuous efforts and additional medical documentation provided throughout June, July, and August of 2023, Sanchez’s requests remained unapproved. The city’s alleged refusal to engage in an interactive process or approve any accommodation led to what Sanchez describes as constructive termination on August 25, 2023.
The lawsuit accuses the City of Chicago of violating federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII, by discriminating against Sanchez based on his disability and retaliating against him for seeking accommodations. Sanchez seeks actual damages exceeding $60,000 for lost salary and benefits, compensatory damages of $300,000, and punitive damages of $300,000 for willful and malicious actions by the defendant.
Represented by Arthur R. Ehrlich from Goldman & Ehrlich law firm in Chicago (53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 815), Marcos Sanchez is demanding a jury trial for this case identified as Case No.: 24-cv-4885.
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