Baltimore County Settles Workplace Bias Lawsuit for $500K

Baltimore County will pay $500,000 and reform its workplace practices to settle a federal lawsuit accusing county officials of bias against 10 government employees and job applicants on the basis of medical conditions.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the U.S. Department of Justice filed a 28-page complaint against Baltimore County earlier this month in which it accused the county of “a pattern of practice of discrimination” that violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Justice Department alleged that eight uniformed and civilian employees and two job applicants endured unnecessary medical exams and were asked for overbroad disclosures of medical histories and medical reports. The government also claimed the county revealed confidential information, retaliated against an employee for questioning practices, and rejected two Fire Department applicants due to pre-existing medical conditions, according to the Sun.

A Baltimore County spokesman said the county did not violate the ADA, and that the county’s settlement should not be taken as “evidence of guilt or liability” that it violated the law in any way.

If you or a loved one has experienced workplace abuse, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you have grounds to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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