LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Sept. 14 against the Wynn Las Vegas hotel/casino for allegations of denying medical leave to and firing an employee because of her disability.
"Disability discrimination continues to be a perpetual problem, and employers should be cognizant of their responsibilities under federal law," said Anna Park, regional attorney for EEOC's Los Angeles District, which includes Las Vegas in its jurisdiction.
According to EEOC, an employee informed her manager in early 2013 that her ovarian cancer had returned. The employee purportedly requested leave to undergo surgery and recover from the procedure. The EEOC says Wynn Las Vegas denied the request and discharged the employee.
"Engaging in the interactive process assists employers in providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure that all supervisors and managers are properly trained on the laws against disability discrimination,” said Wendy Martin, director of EEOC's Las Vegas local office.
The EEOC seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for the employee, as well as injunctive relief to stop Wynn Las Vegas from committing disability discrimination in the future.