Texas Health & Human Services Commission Lufkin State Supported Living Center v. Gerald Willard
Gerald Willard, an employee at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center, developed leg pain and began using a cane. After being told he couldn't work with his cane, he submitted a doctor's note and was subsequently advised to resign and reapply for a security guard position, which he did. However, he was then informed he was ineligible for the new role. Willard filed suit alleging disability discrimination and failure to accommodate. The trial court denied the employer's plea to the jurisdiction, but the Court of Appeals reversed, dismissing the discrimination claim due to sovereign immunity. The failure to accommodate claim was remanded to the trial court to allow Willard to amend his pleadings.