A jury in Manhattan awarded $4 million to Dr. Habeeb Ahmad, an eye doctor who became disabled after contracting COVID-19, due to discriminatory actions by NYU Langone Health System. The awarded damages included $2 million for emotional distress, $1.775 million for back and front pay, and $250,000 in punitive damages. Ahmad suffered multiple severe medical issues while hospitalized, resulting in significant disabilities. His legal representatives highlighted this verdict as a crucial moment for disability rights and workplace inclusion, stating that it reinforces the obligation for employers to accommodate employees requesting such support.
The jury awarded Dr. Habeeb Ahmad $4 million for emotional distress, back and front pay, and punitive damages, after ruling that NYU Langone discriminated against him due to his COVID-19 related disability.
Ahmad's lawyers described the verdict as a landmark moment in the ongoing fight for disability inclusion in the workplace, emphasizing employers' duty to provide good faith accommodations.
During his hospitalization, Ahmad faced severe complications including pneumonia, sepsis, organ failure, and critical illness neuropathy, which led to significant disabilities.
Following intense medical challenges and a long ICU stay, Ahmad experienced severe atrophy that affected his mobility, highlighting the life-altering impact of his illness.
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