Lawsuits Involving Obesity Discrimination
According to Equal Opportunity Employment Commission more cases have been filed for obesity discrimination, including one particular case involving Lisa Harrison who alleged that she was fired from her Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization because of obesity. Harrison unfortunately died before her lawsuit was filed, however, her estate will be represented in the lawsuit against her employer.
The lawsuit alleges that Harrison was able to perform all the necessary functions of her job, but her employer felt that she was limited in major activities including walking. The lawsuit is claiming that this is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and states that this case is based on “a classic case of disability bias, based on myths and stereotypes”.
Cases based on weight discrimination have seen an increase, however this is the first major action taken by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most cases have relied on human rights ordinances that are in place in their states. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission has also stepped on their enforcement efforts to focus on employments that are hired or fired based on background checks, credit checks, and criminal records.
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.
