Employment Law Case Summaries

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the ADA’s protections do not extend to retirees challenging post-employment benefit changes. The Court held that the ADA covers only individuals who are currently qualified for a job they hold or seek, excluding retirees…

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment for the employer on claims of racial discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment under state law. The employees alleged racially hostile conduct, including a false…

A federal appeals court revived a lawsuit filed by a correctional officer who alleged she was subjected to a hostile work environment and retaliation based on sex under Title VII and state law. The officer claimed she was the subject…

The Supreme Court ruled that a federal civilian employee who was also a military reservist was entitled to differential pay while on active duty during a national emergency. The court rejected the government’s narrow interpretation requiring a substantive connection between…

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court ruling that a vice president of IT was exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) despite claiming unpaid wages and minimum wage violations. The employee started work in March…

The Sixth Circuit revived a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by a long-term female employee who was selected for termination during a workforce reduction program. The employee had a strong performance record and greater seniority than a male colleague who was…

A federal appeals court upheld the termination of an employee who lied about his medical history on a pre-employment physical exam. The court recognized that while the ADA protects individuals with disabilities, it does not shield dishonesty or policy violations, even…

A South Carolina appeals court upheld a $1.5 million award for a nurse practitioner who was underpaid bonuses per a written employment agreement. The agreement specified an annual bonus equal to half the clinic’s net profits but was later abruptly…

The Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. CASA, Inc. that federal district courts generally lack authority to issue nationwide injunctions blocking federal rules. Injunctions from lower courts now must be limited to providing relief only to the specific plaintiffs in…

A federal district court in Louisiana vacated the EEOC’s rule requiring employers to accommodate elective abortions under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The court ruled that the EEOC exceeded its statutory authority by including elective abortions in the definition…

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling clarified that employers are not required to meet a higher standard of proof to show that employees are exempt from certain pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Court’s ruling clarified…

A federal district court in Pennsylvania granted summary judgment for an employer where an employee claimed a supervisor’s whisper about his distinctive voice constituted harassment and retaliation under Title VII. The employee, a biotechnician, alleged the comment created a hostile…

An employee at an Illinois assisted living facility missed work due to morning sickness related to her pregnancy. Her employer provided an FMLA certification that identified her condition as “pregnancy” but did not mention episodic flare-ups. The employer approved continuous…

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling clarified that employees who voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit without prejudice can later ask the court to reopen the case if certain conditions, like a mistake, are met. An employee filed an age discrimination suit…

A federal appeals court in Michigan affirmed summary judgment for an employer where an employee claimed a hostile work environment based on alleged harassment by a client. The employee, a sales representative, reported an incident where a motel manager locked…

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of a correctional officer who sued his employer for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by requiring a medical examination and inquiry unrelated to disability. Despite multiple workplace conflicts, the officer was placed…

A federal appeals court ruled that a former employee’s FMLA interference and retaliation claims against a public university could move forward despite the university’s claim of sovereign immunity. The employee took FMLA leave to care for her daughter after a…

A federal appeals court revived a Title VII lawsuit involving a certified nursing assistant who alleged sexual harassment at a skilled nursing facility. The employee reported repeated sexual misconduct by a male co-worker, including groping and derogatory comments, but the…

A Pennsylvania federal district court ruled that an employer lawfully terminated an employee suspected of misusing FMLA leave related to his wife’s IVF treatments. The employee’s FMLA medical certification listed multiple reasons for leave, including injections, but the employer’s designation…

A federal appeals court revived an FMLA interference lawsuit filed by a restaurant manager who was terminated after missing work due to a diabetes-related medical emergency. The employee provided a doctor’s note and told her supervisor she needed sick leave…