Disabled clerk files disability discrimination lawsuit after losing job at Rent-A-Center

SHERMAN - A disabled woman working as an accounts payable clerk filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against her former employer that claims she was terminated less than a week after her physician said she would not be able to lift more than 10 pounds or do any prolonged walking.

Jacqueline Dillon filed suit against Rent-A-Center Inc., doing business as Rent-A-Center on March 4 in the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

Dillon alleges that she was discriminated against, subjected to harassment and terminated because of her disability, her race and her complaints about discrimination.

According to the complaint, Dillon began working for Rent-A-Center as an accounts payable clerk on July 9, 2007. In November 2010, she suffered a heart attack and her supervisor allegedly disclosed personal medical information to the staff.

Dillon claims she was harassed and mocked due to her medical condition and as a result, was forced to take medical leave in November 2011.

Her physician informed Rent-A-Center of new work restrictions and less than a week later Dillon’s employment was terminated, because “they were going in a different direction,” the suit alleges.

The plaintiff claims that non-African American employees were treated more favorably.

The defendant is accused of unlawful employment practices based on disability, race and retaliation for complaining about the discrimination.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for front pay, pecuniary losses, compensatory damages, medical expenses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, interest and court costs.

Dillon is represented by Dallas attorney Karen D. McCloud.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00115