Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
New York – Richard Becker, a 66-year-old computer salesman, is suing Lenovo’s American subsidiary seeking at least $1.5 million in damages. Becker asserts that he was fired unjustly after being dismissed for urinating in a hotel lobby due to a chronic bladder condition, according to documents filed in New York State Supreme Court and reviewed by AFP.
Lawsuit Charges Lenovo with Disability Discrimination
Becker, who has had a bladder condition since 2016 and is seeing a urologist, has allegedly been made to urinate in a Times Square hotel vestibule after a February dinner related to work.
A coworker acted with “apparent spite and malice” when reporting Becker to Human Resources despite no harm being caused.
Allegations of Wrongful Termination, Inadequate HR Investigation
The lawsuit continues to state that Lenovo had no sympathy for Becker’s condition and that the human resources investigation into the incident was botched. Following the incident, Becker was terminated without an interview or any fair consideration of his circumstances”.
Since his being let go, Becker has been unable to find work. Lenovo yet has to comment publicly on the matter.
Legal and Employment Implications
This case epitomizes the main issues revolving around workplace discrimination and disability rights. The claims Becker makes bring into light how employers deal with employees with medical conditions, as well as the fairness in human resource procedures to handle such sensitive issues.
