The $2.6M “Fear Of Needles” ADA Case

In what a post from Barnes & Thornburgh calls “a helpful case for employers,” the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a $2.6 million judgement that held Rite-Aid Corporation liable for failing to accommodate a pharmacist’s fear of needles. His fear extended to sticking others as well as being stuck himself, so when Rite-Aid started to require that all its pharmacists be trained to administer immunization shots, there was a problem. According to a doctor for the plaintiff, he could not safely administer injections to patients because he might faint. This post explains point by point how the appeals court reasoned and finds some important lessons for employers.