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October 12 2017

Washington Employer Hit With $1.8 Million Judgement For Failing To Accommodate Prescription Drug Use

A customer service representative employed for 20 years in Washington was awarded more than $1.8 million in damages for the employer's failure to accommodate her use of opioids that were prescribed to treat her migraines.
 
A Washington federal district court confirmed that 1. The employee had a protected disability, 2. She was qualified to perform the essential functions of her position and 3. The employer had notice of her disability and its functions.
 
It also concluded that the employer failed to reasonably accommodate the plaintiff, noting that the employer "chose to address the plaintiff's medication symptoms through a disciplinary process than an interactive one”.