Illinois Firefighter Alleges Disability Discrimination

Posted by: Curt Varone September 23, 2013 0

An Illinois firefighter who was terminated last April because of a chronic testicular pain condition, has filed suit in federal court under the American’s with Disabilities Act.

Ryan Williamson claims that the Pekin Fire Department refused to engage in an interactive process to find a reasonable accommodation for his condition. The department allegedly misstated the leave time Williamson had available to him on two occasions, causing him to have to reschedule surgery in order to meet the shorter time-frame.

Williamson claims that even when he was able the return with-in prescribed time-frames “24 days earlier than its second represented return date and 55 days shorter than the return date initially represented”, the department refused to clear him to return to work. He was terminated on April 10. 2013.

Williamson is seeking reinstatement, back wages, damages, costs and attorneys fees.

Here is a copy of the complaint. Williamson v Pekin

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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