Date: 10-10-1998

Case Style: William R. Caruthers v. Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing Company

Case Number: 96-CV-2071

Judge: Kathryn R. Vratil

Court: United States District Court for the District of Kansas

Plaintiff's Attorney: Unknown

Defendant's Attorney: Unknown

Description: American with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213. Mr. Caruthers has been employed by defendant since 1972. In 1992, he sustained a work-related injury. When he was approved to return to work with certain restrictions, no work was available which could accommodate those restrictions. Mr. Caruthers then filed a charge with the EEOC. He eventually returned to work as a fork truck operator. Following his return, he was disciplined for poor work attendance and was placed on a "step one" discipline which affected his ability to apply for jobs which would accommodate his physical restrictions. Mr. Caruthers alleged his rights under the ADA and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601-2654 had been violated.

Outcome: The jury found that Mr. Caruthers was a disabled person entitled to the protections of the ADA and that he could perform the essential functions of his job with reasonable accommodation. defendant had not discriminated against Mr. Caruthers because of his disability, but had intentionally retaliated against him because he had engaged in activities protected by the ADA. The jury awarded no damages.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: Affirmed by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Note: The date shown above is the date of the appellate court decision and not the trial date.