$36M Verdict: Disability Discrimination Case Against Werner Trucking

In a groundbreaking verdict, a Nebraska jury has awarded over $36 million in a disability discrimination case against trucking companies Drivers Management, LLC and Werner Enterprises, Inc. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the decision, which marks a significant victory for individuals with disabilities.

The case centered around Victor Robinson, a qualified deaf driver who applied for a truck driving job at Werner in 2016. Despite completing training and obtaining the necessary commercial driver’s license, Robinson was denied employment due to his hearing impairment. The jury found that both Drivers Management and Werner violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to hire and reasonably accommodate Robinson.

The jury’s verdict sends a powerful message to employers across the nation that disability discrimination will not be tolerated. EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows commended Robinson for his courage in coming forward and emphasized the importance of the substantial verdict.

The impact of Werner’s refusal to acknowledge Robinson’s abilities extends beyond him, affecting the entire deaf community. The EEOC trial team stressed that companies like Werner, which deny reasonable accommodations to drivers with disabilities, do so at their own peril.

Werner Enterprises, one of the largest truckload carriers in the United States, now faces significant punitive damages and a call for change. The EEOC’s successful lawsuit serves as a reminder that all individuals, including those with disabilities, deserve a fair chance to make a living and support themselves and their families.

This landmark case highlights the EEOC’s commitment to enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination and promoting equal opportunity in the workplace. For more information on disability discrimination, visit the EEOC’s official website. https://www.eeoc.gov/disability-discrimination.

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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