EEOC Praises Outcome
Marcus G. Keegan, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Atlanta District, said the settlement ensures Sam’s Club will take steps to prevent future violations.
“With few exceptions, the source of a disabling condition is not relevant to whether an employee is entitled to an accommodation,” Keegan said.
Darrell Graham, district director of the EEOC’s Atlanta office, added:
“Employers are obligated to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities rather than fire them. The EEOC is committed to ensuring that Americans with disabilities have equal access to employment.”
The Worker’s Claim
The EEOC alleged that Joseph, after taking medical leave for accident-related injuries in June 2022, was barred from resuming work with restrictions—even though she had successfully completed a shift with accommodations.
Instead, Sam’s Club allegedly told her she could not return until she could perform her job without restrictions. When Joseph requested additional leave, the company refused, citing her injury as non-work-related, and ultimately terminated her employment.
