ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A federal jury has granted a veteran $405,083 in a landmark disability discrimination case involving a local senior living facility. The decision was announced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which had initially pursued the case against The Princess Martha and its managing companies.
The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that The Princess Martha, which is operated by TJM Property Management and TJM Properties Inc., failed to comply with federal disability accommodation laws. According to the EEOC, the facility denied reasonable accommodations to an applicant who identified herself as a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition would prevent her from passing a standard drug test without proper disclosure of her medications.
Evidence presented at the trial indicated that the applicant informed the facility’s hiring manager about her disability and the potential impacts on her drug test results. Despite her repeated efforts to submit documentation proving her medically prescribed medication use, The Princess Martha did not accommodate her needs and subsequently rescinded her job offer. A senior official at the facility later admitted the company provided inaccurate information to the EEOC during the investigation.
The jury found the facility had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide necessary accommodations throughout the hiring process. The EEOC filed its lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida after unsuccessful attempts to reach a settlement through conciliation.
During the trial, the eight-member Tampa jury unanimously concluded that the applicant had a recognized disability, communicated this to The Princess Martha, and was unjustly denied assistance. The jury awarded the veteran $5,083 in back pay, $50,000 for emotional distress, and $350,000 in punitive damages. Additionally, they determined that TJM Property Management and TJM Properties Inc. were integrated enterprises involved with The Princess Martha.
This ruling highlights the ongoing importance of workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, particularly veterans who often face unique challenges in the job market. Advocates say this case could set a precedent for similar cases across the country, underscoring the need for companies to adhere to disability laws and support employees effectively.
The case emphasizes the critical role of the EEOC in protecting the rights of disabled individuals in employment settings. Officials hope that the verdict will encourage organizations to implement better compliance measures to avoid future discrimination incidents.
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