BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - An ongoing battle over access to a second-floor office has resulted in a lawsuit against the Massachusetts Senate.
Kevin Chambers filed a lawsuit May 15 in Suffolk County Superior Court against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Senate, State Senator John C. Velis and Kathleen Verra, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation.
Chambers claims that after sustaining a serious leg injury in a car accident in July 2021, he faced ongoing mobility issues that were not accommodated by his employers.
Despite repeated requests for workplace modifications such as stair railings to his second-floor office or relocation to an accessible office, his pleas were ignored, the suit says. This led to further complications following a below-the-knee amputation in March 2023.
Chambers alleges that he was pressured by Verra to delay his medical leave until a replacement was found and that his working conditions remained unsafe and inaccessible.
He also contends that he was passed over for promotion in favor of a less experienced colleague and faced retaliation after filing a discrimination charge with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
Chambers said ultimately his office was relocated to a location he had recommended about 18 months earlier.
The lawsuit includes counts of violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law, and intentional interference with employment relations.
Chambers is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, treble damages under the family leave act, interest, attorney's fees, and costs. He is represented by Paul Wood of Boston.