EMPLOYMENT LAW: Wisconsin-based Employer Faces Lawsuit for Firing Deaf Employee

September 13, 2011

Oshkosh, Wisconsin- Miles Kimball Company is facing a disability lawsuit after firing a deaf employee, according to US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website today.

According to reports, Laura Nejedlo filed a complaint with EEOC after her employer failed to accommodate her disability and fired her. She had worked in Miles Kimball’s Information Technology Department for 13 years.

Reports said Nejedlo was asked to utilize new software for the company in 2007. She then requested for a sign language interpreter for training. The employer rejected her request and eventually fired her in February 2008.

Nejedlo reported the misconduct to EEOC, in which the agency filed the disability discrimination lawsuit in US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The federal agency is seeking compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of the aggrieved employee, reports said.

Miles Kimball employs more than 1,300 workers in Oshkosh branch. The company sells seasonal decorations as well as household products.