Loading...
Loading content...
Loading content...
Landmark EEOC case resulting in the largest disability discrimination verdict in history. Walmart violated ADA by denying accommodations and subsequently terminating employee with Down syndrome after schedule change.
Plaintiff
Maryann T. (employee with Down syndrome)
Defendant
Walmart Inc.
Date Filed
January 1, 2019
Date Resolved
August 15, 2024
Settlement Amount
$125 million jury verdict (reduced due to statutory caps)
Jurisdiction
Federal court, Wisconsin (Seventh Circuit affirmed August 2024)
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) represented Maryann T., an employee with Down syndrome, in a discrimination case against Walmart. The case centered on Walmart's failure to provide reasonable accommodations following a schedule change and the subsequent termination. Case facts: - Maryann T. worked successfully at Walmart for an extended period - When Walmart changed her work schedule, she requested accommodation (working same hours/times) due to her disability - Walmart denied the accommodation request despite business feasibility - Maryann T. was subsequently terminated - EEOC filed suit for ADA Title I violation Trial results: - Federal jury returned $125 million verdict in favor of Maryann T. - Seventh Circuit affirmed the verdict in August 2024 - Amount reduced to statutory caps but still the largest disability discrimination verdict in EEOC history Legal significance: - Established that schedule changes may require accommodation for individuals with disabilities - Demonstrated that post-accommodation termination creates strong inference of discrimination - Affirmed employer's duty to explore reasonable accommodations before adverse employment action - Set precedent for substantial damages in disability discrimination cases
This case represents a watershed moment in employment disability discrimination law. It demonstrates that major employers face serious liability for failing to accommodate employees with disabilities and may inspire other employees to pursue similar claims.
Official court documents and references are not currently available for this case.
For official records, please search PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) using the case number or contact the relevant court directly. You may also find information on public legal databases like Justia or CourtListener.