A jury in Nebraska just returned a $36 million verdict in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and against Drivers Management, LLC and Werner Enterprises, Inc. for denying employment and accommodations to a deaf truck driver, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Victor Robinson had the courage to step forward and say what happened to him was wrong,” EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said. “The jury agreed, and their substantial verdict sends a clear message to employers everywhere that our nation will not tolerate disability discrimination.”
According to the lawsuit, Victor Robinson applied to work at Werner in 2016, went through the necessary training, but was denied the job because he is deaf. According to testimony, Werner continues to deny people who are deaf with jobs at their company.
“As this verdict demonstrates, companies like Werner that deny reasonable accommodations to drivers with disabilities do so at their peril,” Supervisory Trial Attorney Joshua M. Pierson and Trial Attorneys Meredith S. Berwick and Lauren Wilson said.
This verdict is a major win for the rights of people with disabilities. Kennedy Hunt P.C. applauds this jury’s decision. Our attorneys are experts in disability law who passionately oppose all types of discrimination. If you or someone you know need support with your disability rights, we may be able to help you. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim.