Auto Parts Company Agreed to pay $750,000 in Settlement for Tennessee EEOC Lawsuit over Drug Testing
According to this lawsuit, filed by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Dura Automotive Systems Inc for being in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the EEOC stated that the Dura Automotive Systems Inc. Company had all of their Lawrenceburg, Tennessee employees tested for twelve substances, five of which were controlled substances, and the others were legally prescribed medications, in May of 2007. The EEOC also claims that the Dura Company required all employees who tested positive for legally prescribed medications to disclose medical conditions that they had that required them to take the drugs and the company also made it a condition of employment that they stop taking the medication without evidence that the drugs were affecting their job performances. The Dura Company even suspended employees until they agreed to stop taking the medications and terminated employees who were unable to do their jobs without the medications. Dura also informed its whole workforce about the identities of those employees who had positive drug tests.
The Dura Company has agreed to pay$750,000 to settle the lawsuit. In addition to this, the company is prohibited from making medical inquires and from conducting medical exams which are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are also prohibited from conducting drug tests that are not job related or necessary for the business.
Cases just like this one unfortunately happen to employees all across the country all too often and even to employees right here in Tennessee. If you or someone you know has been terminated or laid off and you feel that it is because of age, gender, racial, disability, or any other type of discrimination, then we encourage you to contact one of our experienced and compassionate Tennessee ADA attorneys immediately. We care about our clients and will work with you to make sure you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours for what you have been through.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
