Quarter-Million-Dollar Arbitration Recovery on Claims of Disability Discrimination and Retaliation Under ADA

Stephanie Franco brought disability discrimination and retaliation claims against her former employer Aarons after they terminated her employment during her approved medical leave. Despite Ms. Franco’s ability to perform all essential functions of her job and return to work following her leave, Aarons refused to accommodate her disability and informed Ms. Franco on her last day of leave that her position was no longer available. After successfully defeating summary judgment, attorney Lisa Taylor argued the claims during a two-day arbitration hearing through the American Arbitration Association where the arbitrator found in Ms. Franco’s favor. She was awarded $30,000 in compensatory damages and $35,456.19 in backpay and accrued interest, along with $183,201.55 in attorneys fees and costs.