Worker’s claims against city fewer [Muskogee Phoenix, Okla.]
By D.E. Smoot, Muskogee Phoenix, Okla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Lawson alleges she was denied rest room breaks, which resulted with her losing control of her bladder and bowels. The former employee said her requests for reasonable accommodations were ignored and she "was treated in a manner that made it impossible to remain on the job."
Of the 14 claims alleged by Lawson in her complaint, all but six were dismissed by agreement in July, and two others were dropped in August. The negligent supervision claim was dismissed Friday. City Attorney
In her motion seeking summary judgment, Williams notes Lawson admitted "she is not black" despite asserting otherwise in her original complaint. Williams states the facts cited by the former switchboard operator fall short of what is required to prove a state or federal discrimination claim based upon a disability.
"Here, it should be clear that Ms. Lawson's impairments substantially limited operation of her bodily functions related to her digestive, bowel, bladder and neurological functions," Vaught states in his response filed Friday.
Lawson's lawyer further argued his client could have performed her job duties had she been granted reasonable accommodations.
Williams, however, argues no reasonable accommodation was available for Lawson, who apparently had requested immediate relief from co-workers when she needed a rest room break. The accommodation essentially would have altered the "essential functions" of her job.
"The only means by which the plaintiff could function at her job was by requiring others, co-workers and superiors, to function for her," Williams states in her supporting brief. "There can be no reasonable accommodation when that accommodation is to be relieved of the essential function of the job."
Williams further states no discrimination occurred since providing reasonable accommodations was an impossibility. Williams also argues because Lawson left the job voluntarily, her claim alleging termination should be dismissed.
Vaught states in his response that Williams' reasoning "ignores the substantial record-evidence which establishes that a reasonable person facing the same situation ... would have quit."
Tucker said a settlement conference in the case is scheduled Thursday. A
Reach
___
(c)2012 the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.)
Visit the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.) at muskogeephoenix.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 546 |
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News