NEW ORLEANS - The St. Joseph of Harahan assisted living facility is accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a March 17 lawsuit filed with the Eastern Louisiana District Court.
Plaintiff Emily Bankston started working at the facility in July 2019 as a CNA. At the time, Bankston was pregnant, and in her suit she says she intended to enjoy a long career at the facility.
The plaintiff says that St. Joseph gave no indication at the time of her hire that her pregnancy would be a problem, but that discrimination based on her medical condition quickly emerged within a few weeks of her new employment. Bankston says she was denied help in lifting patients and handling patients that had contagious diseases.
Despite being told that the facility would accommodate for her temporary lift restrictions and doctor's note ordering light activity, Bankston allegedly received a text from a St. Joseph human resources employee terminating her for being unable to do heavy lifting. According to the suit, the human resources representative backpedaled twice in 48 hours, taking back the termination but then reissuing it again less than a day later.
The facility is sued for violation of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, violation of the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bankston requests back pay, reinstatement or front pay, medical expenses and other damages.
The plaintiff is represented by Sangisetty Law Firm LLC of New Orleans.