RENO, Nev. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that three integrated Nevada-based car dealerships will pay $50,000 for alleged disability discrimination.
The three dealerships are Liberty Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge LLC in Winnemucca, Internet Auto Rent and Sales Inc. in Reno; and Internet Auto Rent and Sales of Las Vegas Inc.
“The ADA was enacted 25 years ago to ensure that capable and qualified people like Ms. Rynearson are not denied the opportunity to contribute their talents to the workforce,” EEOC San Francisco District Director William Tamayo said. “We filed this lawsuit to defend the rights of workers with disabilities to a level playing field when it comes to employment."
According to EEOC, Shara Rynearson was fired because of her multiple sclerosis. She provided hospital notes that tentatively diagnosed multiple sclerosis and excused her from work after she suffered from changes in vision and numbness in half of her face. The defendants allegedly fired her instead of allowing her to take medical leave for the diagnosis and treatment of her disability.
"Managers must understand their responsibilities to provide medical leave as a reasonable accommodation when required under the ADA,” EEOC San Francisco Trial Attorney Siri Thanasombat said. “We are glad to see these dealerships will be taking steps to ensure their staff is educated."