Fired for Hearing impairment

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2007

Good luck to you. We do not offer legal advice here at Allnurses.

Suing an ex employer probably isn't anyone's business. When you're applying for a new job, you're not going to tell them about the lawsuit are you?

Marvie · Dec 10, 2007

Legal advice is best left for those who practice, you can always talk to a lawyer and find out the answers to your questions. I am sorry that you had that experience. I might suggest you get their termination intent in writing. Paper trails are always best for all involved.

I was reading one of the posts from an RN about her hearing problem. I decided to sign up and wanted to reply to her post. But now, I can not fine her thread. Anyway...I was recently hired by a medical group. During my interview I informed her I was hearing impaired. I am totally deaf on the left, from a childhood disease. (mumps) The doctor hired me knowing this. She let me work 2 weeks and after everyone else had left the building she said. "Becca, you are a good nurse. I enjoy working with you. But, I am going to have to let you go. I think it is because you are heaing impaired." I have been an LPN for 25yrs. I have never had this happen to me. I feel she did it to hire someone to pay them less per hour. Now I am in the process of filing a disability descrimination case against her. Do you think this looks bad on me to file it?

Diary/Dairy, RN · Dec 10, 2007

Awww - that's too bad - I hope you can see someone who can tell you your legal rights! Good luck.

athena55, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2007

What do you think she meant by "I think it is because you are hearing impaired?"

I agree with obtaining legal advice. Have you check out out the Americans with Disability Act and the DOJ webpage? www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

Let us know how things are going for you. Don't give up! Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said many years ago: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

Respectfully,

athena

Topic Toss Up · Dec 28, 2007

To address your question, (will you look bad if you pursue this in a legal forum...) get the expert opinion on that question. Your local government should have a Department for People with Disabilities. Have them steer you to the local ADA department (not sure if they are state or federal). That's one opinion. Another opinion could be from an attorney who specializes in employment rights, ADA issues or a combo of both. Ask people if they know of any good attorneys.

It may depend on what documentation/witnesses you have, detailed facts, accounts of events, etc. Be prudent not to broadcast what you are doing. If word gets tp your employer, she will be prepared. You want to take her by surprise and not let her know what your thoughts are. Otherwise, they will know how to defend themselves. Ask the attorney or ADA what kind of consequences or events might be faced with if you pursue.

I believe what I wrote is basic generalities about some resources and options. Make sure you take care of you just as much as you attend to this issue. Some people get really involved with attorneyws and worry. Others let the attorney handle things and go about their life. It's great to win when you feel wronged. Winning entails a lot of work in time and energy. It can be different for you on how you handle the stress, what support systems you have, etc. Weigh the pros and cons, then you will make an informed decision with what you learn.

Good luck and good riddance to this employer.