Ex-Cop Wins $114K in Hartford Disability Bias Lawsuit
Table of Contents
Case Background
This case revolved around a long dispute between Alfred Lassen, a former Hartford police officer, and the City of Hartford. Lassen joined the Hartford Police Department in December 2009 and served until March 2016. During his service, he was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder that can cause sudden sleep attacks. He alleged that the City had been fully aware of his condition.
The City terminated Lassen’s employment in March 2016. After that, Lassen tried repeatedly to regain employment with the department, but his applications were denied. He filed multiple complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. When CHRO gave him releases of jurisdiction, Lassen pursued his claims in Superior Court.
The case went to trial in Hartford Superior Court, where the central questions were whether the City had refused to rehire Lassen because of his disability and whether it had retaliated against him for filing earlier discrimination complaints.
Cause
Lassen brought two main claims under the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA).
First, he alleged disability discrimination. He argued that the City refused to rehire him because of his medical history and the perception that he was disabled, even though he was qualified to work as a police officer.
Second, he alleged retaliation. He claimed the City turned him away in response to the earlier lawsuits and CHRO complaints he had filed, punishing him for standing up against discrimination.
Injury
Lassen described the harm as both financial and personal. He lost his salary, benefits, and future earnings tied to a police career. Beyond money, he said the repeated rejections left him embarrassed, emotionally distressed, and stigmatized. He spoke of damage to his professional reputation and a loss of enjoyment in daily life.
Damages
In court filings, Lassen asked for compensatory damages covering lost pay and benefits, damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages under state law. He also asked the court to order reinstatement, to clear his personnel file, and to award him legal fees and costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff: Alfred Lassen
· Counsel for Plaintiff: James V. Sabatini
Defendant: City of Hartford
· Counsel for Defendant: David S. Monastersky | Channez M. Rogers
Claims
Lassen’s lawyer painted a picture of a dedicated officer who wanted nothing more than to return to public service. He argued that Lassen’s narcolepsy had been managed and had not prevented him from performing his duties. According to the Plaintiff’s side, the City’s stated reasons for rejecting his applications such as employment history, driving record, and alleged prescription drug use were smokescreens. The real reason, they said, was that Lassen carried the mark of a prior lawsuit and a disability label.
The Plaintiff’s attorney stressed that Connecticut law protected workers with medical conditions and forbade retaliation against employees who complained of discrimination. He urged the jury to see the City’s conduct as a clear case of punishment and prejudice.
Defense
The City countered that it did not discriminate against Lassen. Its lawyers argued that Lassen was not qualified for rehire based on objective standards applied to all applicants. The City pointed to concerns raised during background checks, including prior work history and other factors it claimed disqualified him. The defense denied that disability or prior lawsuits played any role in the decisions.
Defense counsel also attacked Lassen’s damages claim, arguing that he had not done enough to mitigate his losses. In their view, he could have pursued other employment to offset financial harm, so any back pay award should be reduced.
Jury Verdict
After hearing the evidence, the jury sided with Lassen. The panel found that the City of Hartford had discriminated against him based on his disability and had retaliated against him for his earlier complaints.
The jury awarded Lassen $61,350 in economic damages, representing the income and benefits he lost. It also awarded $53,250 in noneconomic damages, recognizing the emotional distress, stigma, and life disruption caused by the City’s conduct. The total award came to $114,600.
Court Documents