Richard Becker, a 66-year-old former Lenovo computer salesman, has filed a lawsuit seeking $1.5 million from Lenovo’s American subsidiary. The lawsuit alleges wrongful termination and discrimination related to a bladder condition. Becker claims he was fired after urinating in a hotel lobby vestibule due to his medical condition.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in February when Becker was returning to his Times Square hotel after a work dinner. Overwhelmed by his bladder condition, he reportedly relieved himself in a vestibule on a separate floor from the main lobby. A coworker allegedly reported him to Human Resources, leading to his dismissal.
Legal Claims
Becker’s lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, accuses Lenovo of violating New York State and City human rights laws. Becker, who has suffered from a chronic bladder condition since 2016 and is under medical treatment, asserts that his Lenovo colleagues and managers were aware of his condition. He claims that despite this, Lenovo failed to show any understanding or comply with legal requirements, leading to his termination without proper investigation.
Company’s Response and Current Status
Lenovo has not yet commented on the lawsuit. Since his dismissal, Becker has been unemployed. The case highlights issues of disability discrimination and workplace accommodation, sparking a broader discussion on how companies handle employees with medical conditions.