SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

A Colorado man has sued his employer alleging unlawful workplace discrimination.

Joshua Lierman filed a lawsuit May 26 against UAS International Trip Support of Houston, in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, alleging employment law violation in 2014.

According to the complaint, Lierman was hired by UAS in April 2014 and subsequently became addicted to alcohol. The suit states alcoholism is a disability because it substantially limits major life activities such as learning, concentrating, thinking and communicating.

The grievance states Lierman’s ability to focus, concentrate, and multitask was compromised, causing him stress, anxiety and depression, yet he was able to perform his job and alleges his employer was not aware of his problem until Sept. 15, 2014, when he requested time off to seek treatment.

The suit states the plaintiff’s request for a reasonable accommodation was granted, and he began to embark on recovery. Colleagues in his support network advised him inpatient treatment was unnecessary and that he could return to work while recovering, the complaint states. The suit says Lierman was promptly fired upon his return on the pretext of his being a liability to the company.

Th plaintiff cites violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas Labor Code.

Lierman seeks: back pay; reinstatement or front pay; compensatory and punitive damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney fees; expenses; and costs. He is is represented by attorney David Holmes of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:15-cv-01399.