Workplace Discrimination Lawsuit Leads to $55M Award

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems will pay $55 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit that claimed it fired an employee for being morbidly obese.

Plaintiff Ronald Kratz II alleges that his employer terminated him from his position because he weighed as much as 680 pounds when he worked at the plant, according to Chron.com. He says he was fired from the job even though he was fully capable of performing the key functions.

The EEOC said company officials did not discuss with Kratz whether he needed any reasonable accommodations to perform his job, according to Chron.com. The agency also said that Kratz has not been able to find other employment since he was fired in October 2009.

Under the settlement, Kratz’s former employer must also provide him with six months of outplacement services.

The company denies any wrongdoing in the termination of Kratz.

If you or a loved one has been discriminated against in the workplace, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you have grounds to pursue a lawsuit. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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