Medlin v. Rome Strip Steel Co., Inc.
Plaintiff Alexander Medlin sued Rome Strip Steel Co., Inc. (RSS) and several individuals for disability discrimination under the ADA and New York State Human Rights Law, and for improper disclosure of confidential medical information. Medlin, a Hot Roll Slitter Operator, suffered a non-work-related back injury and requested light duty or accommodations upon his return, which RSS denied after a functional capacity evaluation (FCE). The EEOC found probable discrimination by RSS regarding accommodation denial and confidentiality breaches. Defendants moved for summary judgment, contesting Medlin's disability status, RSS's duty to provide light duty, and the impropriety of medical information disclosure. The court denied RSS's motion for summary judgment on the ADA claims, citing unresolved factual disputes concerning Medlin's perceived disability, RSS's failure in the interactive accommodation process, and the alleged improper disclosure. However, the ADA claims against individual defendants Kirk Hinman, Roger Pratt, and Walter Race were dismissed, as were claims against Impact and Cindy Bush, along with Title VII and ADEA claims.