Basden v. Prof’l Transp., Inc.

Basden was hired as a PTI dispatcher in 2007, subject to an attendance policy that did not differentiate between absences for medical reasons and other absences. Basden had two absentee incidents in 2007. In January 2008, Basden became dizzy and fell in her home. A CT scan suggested that she might have multiple sclerosis. She was considered to have five absence incidents following her fall, prompting a verbal warning. Absences in April were treated as a sixth incident, resulting in a written warning. She began to feel numbness in her hands she asked to be relieved of assignments that required additional typing. The company moved her back to dispatcher, but eventually returned her to the typing duties. At her request, Basden was moved to a part-time position. Basden was absent again in May and was suspended for three days. Her request for leave was denied and she did not return to work. Her employment was terminated. In her suit under the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act, the district court found that Basden had failed to establish a prima facie right to the protection of either statute and granted PTI summary judgment. The Seventh Circuit affirmed. View "Basden v. Prof'l Transp., Inc." on Justia Law