A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. On November 6, 2024, Stephen Termunde filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Wal-Mart Associates Inc., accusing the company of violating several employment laws.
Stephen Termunde, represented by Kreitman Law, LLC, claims that his termination from Wal-Mart Associates Inc. was unlawful and discriminatory. The complaint outlines multiple allegations including disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), retaliation under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) and Workers’ Compensation Act. Termunde began working for Wal-Mart in September 2011 as an Optimal Market Manager for Sam’s Club, overseeing operations across multiple states including Illinois. His troubles began on July 18, 2023, when he was injured at work after being struck by pallets transported by a forklift. This incident exacerbated his pre-existing medical condition involving a C4-C6 spinal fusion.
Following this injury, Termunde experienced severe symptoms leading to hospitalization with stroke-like symptoms. He subsequently took medical leave under FMLA and received short-term disability benefits while submitting necessary medical certifications to his employer. Despite being medically cleared to return to work without restrictions on September 29, 2023, Termunde alleges that Wal-Mart regarded him as disabled and terminated his employment shortly thereafter on October 3, 2023.
The complaint accuses Wal-Mart of treating non-disabled employees more favorably and retaliating against Termunde for exercising his rights under various labor laws. It further claims that Wal-Mart’s actions were willful and warrant punitive damages. As part of the relief sought, Termunde demands reinstatement or front pay, back pay inclusive of lost wages and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress and loss of reputation, punitive damages where applicable, attorney’s fees, costs of action, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
This article was first published in Cook County Record.
