Gonzales V. Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc

Case Background

On February 28, 2020, Roman T. Gonzales filed an employment discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (“Title VII”), 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and the Idaho Human Rights Act (“IHRA”).

The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Idaho (Pocatello – Eastern). The case was assigned to Senior Judge B. Lynn Winmill. [Case number: 4:20cv102]

Cause

Roman T. Gonzales (“Plaintiff”), a U.S. citizen residing in Firth, Idaho, initiated legal action against Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (“Defendant”), a Delaware company based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. At all relevant times, Defendant employed over 15 individuals and operated within industries subject to federal anti-discrimination laws under 42 U.S.C. § 2000e and § 12101.

Plaintiff, of Latino and Mexican descent, began working for Defendant in February 2005 and transitioned to a Security Officer 2 role by July 2005. He disclosed a longstanding back condition, later aggravated by a 2014 injury, requiring short-term disability and ongoing pain management. Despite adhering to Occupational Medical Program (OMP) guidelines, Plaintiff experienced increasing workplace challenges.

By 2015, Plaintiff entered Defendant’s Human Reliability Program (HRP), maintaining compliance with medication protocols approved by OMP. However, in late 2017 or early 2018, a new OMP doctor, Dr. Martin Mangan, allegedly mishandled Plaintiff’s confidential medical information, creating tension. Although Plaintiff’s drug screening results remained compliant, he reported perceived targeting based on his race, medical condition, or both. Defendant attributed these issues to miscommunication but retained Dr. Mangan on Plaintiff’s case.

In mid-2018, Dr. Mangan challenged Plaintiff’s HRP status, citing alleged medication abuse, leading to revocation of HRP clearance and inability to perform job duties. Defendant required Plaintiff to cease all medication use via a two-year agreement, which Plaintiff declined. Efforts to negotiate reasonable accommodations, including continued medication use, were ignored. Defendant offered reassignment but required Plaintiff to apply for positions without assistance, while management allegedly disclosed and misrepresented his medical condition.

In December 2018, Defendant issued Plaintiff a termination notice. Despite applying for suitable roles, Plaintiff received no interviews or training. On January 10, 2019, Defendant terminated his employment. Plaintiff filed discrimination charges with the EEOC and IHRC in June 2019, later receiving a right-to-sue notice in February 2020.

Damages

Defendant’s actions and omissions directly caused Plaintiff significant harm, including lost earnings, benefits, and job opportunities. Plaintiff also endured emotional distress, such as outrage, shock, and humiliation. As a result, Plaintiff sought general and compensatory damages, with the exact amount to be determined at trial, along with any other equitable remedies.

Moreover, Defendant acted willfully or with reckless disregard for Plaintiff’s federally protected rights. This conduct entitled Plaintiff to pursue punitive damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1981a.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Roman T. Gonzales
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Amanda Elizabeth Ulrich | DeAnne Casperson | Ryan S. Dustin
  • Defendant(s): Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Patricia Kuendig | Rebecca Young

Claims

Count I: Disability Discrimination (ADA/IHRA)
Defendant revoked Plaintiff’s HRP status, compelled him to sign an SOU, and terminated his employment due to his disability. These actions violated the ADA and IHRA. Plaintiff, who performed his job with accommodations, suffered emotional and financial harm. Defendant’s malicious conduct entitled Plaintiff to compensatory and punitive damages.

Count II: Race and National Origin Discrimination (Title VII/IHRA)
Defendant discriminated against Plaintiff, a Latino of Mexican descent, by taking adverse actions based on race and national origin. Plaintiff sought damages for the resulting harm under Title VII and IHRA.

Count III: Race Discrimination (42 U.S.C. § 1981)
Defendant denied Plaintiff equal employment rights, violating 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Plaintiff sought compensation for emotional and financial harm caused by these racially discriminatory actions.

Count IV: Unlawful Disclosure of Medical Information (ADA/IHRA)
Defendant disclosed Plaintiff’s confidential medical information without authorization, causing significant emotional and professional harm.

Count V: Retaliation (ADA/IHRA)
Defendant retaliated against Plaintiff for reporting discrimination by revoking his HRP status, forcing the SOU, and terminating him.

Defense

The Defense argued that Gonzales’s claims lacked legal merit and should have been dismissed. They denied liability, asserting that Gonzales was not a qualified individual with a disability and could not perform essential job functions with or without accommodations. Battelle contended that its medical inquiries complied with federal regulations and did not violate the ADA. They maintained that any adverse actions were based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons unrelated to discrimination or retaliation. The Defense also claimed that Gonzales failed to mitigate his damages or exhaust administrative remedies. Furthermore, they attributed his alleged damages to external factors, including his own actions, and noted that he did not utilize Battelle’s internal grievance process.

Jury Verdict

On August 19, 2024, the jury found in favor of the Plaintiff for the perceived disability and retaliation claims. The other claims of actual disability discrimination, reasonable accommodation, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical information, discrimination on the basis of race and national origin, and racial discrimination under section 1981 were unproven.

  • Past lost wages and benefits: $435,447.18
  • Pain and suffering: $25,000

No punitive damages were awarded. The total sum awarded was $460,447.18.

Court Documents:

Available upon request