NEWARK, N.J. – On Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit against Roosevelt Care Centers, alleging violation of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The long-term care facility is accused of unlawfully terminating a dietary worker with a disability that prevented her from lifting objects heavier than 20 pounds.
The employee had been working at Roosevelt Care Centers for approximately 18 years and could perform the essential functions of her position. The facility terminated her employment without engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodation.
“No one should be denied their right to work because of a disability,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted to prohibit employers from denying employment to people with disabilities without making a reasonable accommodation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Division handled the case based on a referral from the Newark Area Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.