Facts

In November 1998, plaintiff Joyce Bratton began working as a temporary library technician for defendant city of Alameda. She became a permanent employee six months later. In August 2002, plaintiff developed a repetitive stress injury, which she eventually felt in her neck and shoulders. The injury worsened and plaintiff was forced to twice take a leave from work. According to plaintiff, although she was able to return to her job both times, defendant never asked about her injury or how it could be accommodated.

The plaintiff took a third leave from work and was released to return in October 2003. However, her doctor imposed restrictions such as a four-hour workday, no typing for more than 30 minutes in an hour, no repetitive handwork for more than 30 minutes in an hour, a headset for telephone use, and no lifting objects over five pounds. The library director informed plaintiff that the library could not accommodate the restrictions. The plaintiff's doctor again placed her on temporary disability. The defendant offered plaintiff rehabilitation services because it did not have a position that would allow for her restrictions.

The plaintiff claimed violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, alleging she was terminated due to her disability and defendant's failure to provide accommodations.

Defendant contested the claims, asserting that it terminated plaintiff's employment when it could not reasonably accommodate her restrictions through modified job duties and only after granting time off, conducting an ergonomic evaluation, providing equipment and providing light duty throughout the interactive process.

Damages

The plaintiff sought $463,581.

Result

Judgment was for defendant.