FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2014

Kraemer, Manes & Associates LLC has filed a complaint against Friendship Ridge in the United States District Court of the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of Bruce Martin. The complaint alleges that Friendship Ridge discriminated against Mr. Martin on the basis of his disability, diverticulitis, a condition substantially limiting major life activities. The complaint specifically alleges that Mr. Martin began experiencing conditions associated with diverticulitis in the year leading up to his termination, which led to a weight loss of over 100 pounds and the need to use 470 hours of FMLA leave as well as his sick days for his disability.

The complaint alleges that Mr. Martin was suspended on July 16, 2012 after receiving permission to leave work on July 15, 2012 from Ms. Jeanie Matrovich, the supervisor, then placed on indefinite suspension on July 17, 2012, pending an investigation, and ultimately terminated by letter on August 10, 2012. The complaint alleges that a similar employee without a disability and no remaining sick days were allowed to take off additional days for an emergency holiday two weeks before Mr. Martin’s condition began to flare up causing the absence on July 15, 2012.

The complaint alleges that Friendship Ridge was aware of Mr. Martin’s disability, terminated him because of his disability in violation of the ADA and the PHRA, has failed to make a good faith effort to accommodate Mr. Martin’s disability, and caused Mr. Martin to suffer humiliation and emotional distress.

Lead attorneys on this case for the Plaintiff are Elizabeth L. Pollock-Avery and Michael Kraemer. Full text of the complaint, as filed with the court, is available here: Complaint – Bruce Martin v. Friendship Ridge. This case is docketed as 2:14-cv-00269-MRH.

Kraemer, Manes & Associates LLC is a law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh focusing on business law, employment law, and litigation. The firm’s clients include small businesses, employers, employees, and parties in civil litigation.

Additional information about this lawsuit can be obtained by contacting us at press@lawkm.com or (412) 626-5626.