Home Depot Pays $100K to Fired Cancer Patient

Home Depot USA Inc. will pay $100,000 to a part-time cashier for allegedly discriminating against her on account of her cancer by terminating her employment.

The Daily Record reports that Judy Henderson, a cashier at a Home Depot store, had received good performance reviews and was a respected employee. In July 2010, she requested an unpaid medical leave to undergo treatment for cancer and it was granted. A few months later, in spite of furnishing medical proof of her illness, she was terminated when she requested an extension of medical leave.

Commenting on the consent decree filed in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) told the Daily Record that the company’s actions were a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which states that employees who suffer from illnesses and subsequently need leave for obtaining treatment should not be terminated without proper notification and a valid reason.

A company spokesperson refuted the EEOC’s allegations saying that Home Depot was not at fault and criticized the EEOC for misinterpreting its actions.

Under the terms of the consent decree, Home Depot has agreed to provide training and counsel its managers and HR staff about the ADA.  The company will also post a notice informing the employees and job applicants about their rights under the ADA and that they can report any violations to the EEOC, according to the Daily Record.

In agreeing to the consent decree, Home Depot denied any wrongdoing.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by workplace discrimination, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if you have grounds to pursue legal action.

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