Former worker accuses car dealer of discrimination

A Flint resident brought a lawsuit against his former employer for alleged disability discrimination.

Bobby Ingram sued Brinson Ford Inc., doing business as Brinson Ford Lincoln Mercury, of Athens, in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas on March 9, claiming infringement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ingram was a service manager with the defendant from December 2012 until his termination on April 21, 2014, according to court documents. He required treatments for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, for which he required a day off from work once a month. According to papers filed, Brinson Ford was fully aware of Ingram’s condition.

The complaint cites that on April 21, 2014, the plaintiff called his supervisor to let him know he was ill. According to the suit, his manager was abrupt, telling Ingram that he did not need a part-time manager. When Ingram returned to the dealership the next day, the supervisor refused to speak with him.

The plaintiff claims that the dealership’s failure to make reasonable accommodations for his disability constitutes discrimination and infringement of his federally protected rights.

Citing lost wages and benefits, lost employment opportunity and mental anguish, the plaintiff seeks: compensatory damages; back pay; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs. Ingram is represented by William S. Hommel Jr. of Hommel Law Firm in Tyler.

Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas, case no. 2:15-cv-00348