Swonke
Swonke v. Sprint Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Henderson, J.
ORDER GRANTING SUMMARY JUDGMENT
INTRODUCTION
This is a disability discrimination case brought by plaintiff Carl Swonke against his former employer Sprint, pursuant to the California Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA). Plaintiff had a number of physical disabilities which he claims Sprint failed to accommodate and which he asserts ultimately motivated defendant to terminate his employment. Sprint denies these charges and moves for summary judgment. The Court heard oral argument on March 29, 2004. Having fully considered all briefs and evidence submitted by the parties, as well as the oral argument of counsel, the Court hereby grants defendant’s motion for summary judgment, as discussed below.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Plaintiff began working for Sprint in 1998 as a sales associate. He was quickly promoted to a supervisory position hiring and training new sales associates.
In October 1999 plaintiff was in an accident during a work-sponsored trip causing injury to his pancreas and a minor head injury. His supervisor accommodated his pancreas disability by allowing plaintiff time off for doctor appointments and breaks whenever he suffered pancreatic attacks.