KANSAS CITY – The Missouri Court of Appeals has upheld a $2.02 million jury verdict awarding compensatory and punitive damages against the Missouri House of Representatives and former Chief Clerk Daniel Adam Crumbliss for disability discrimination and unlawful retaliation.
Eric Qualls, a highly praised legislative analyst with a disability, requested reasonable accommodations to complete his complex legislative assignments. Instead of engaging in a good faith effort to accommodate him, House leadership mocked his request, inexplicably denied him a standard pay raise, and ultimately fired him “on the spot” mere minutes after he stated he had no choice but to report their discriminatory conduct to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Qualls was represented by Cyrus Dashtaki of Dashtaki Law Firm, LLC. “The Missouri House of Representatives is responsible for writing the laws of our state, but this powerful verdict proves that they are not above them. Instead of supporting a dedicated, highly praised employee, House leadership mocked his mental health disabilities, vindictively denied his compensation, and fired him on the spot the absolute second he dared to stand up for his civil rights.” Dashtaki added, “This appellate decision is a total vindication for Mr. Qualls and a stark warning that illegal retaliation and workplace bullying will not be tolerated, even in the highest halls of the Missouri State Capitol.”
Dashtaki Law Firm, LLC exclusively represents employees standing up against employment discrimination based on age, race, sex, religion, national origin and disability. Please visit www.Dashtaki.com for more information.