Lawsuit Alleges Hostile Work Environment, Age Discrimination at Lamar McDonald's

Former employee Tammy Deherrera files suit against franchise owner and McDonald's corporate over harassment, schedule changes, and reduced hours.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a crumpled McDonald's paper bag, a spilled soft drink, and a broken employee name tag on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the breakdown of a welcoming workplace culture.The lawsuit alleges a hostile work environment and retaliation against an older, disabled employee at a McDonald's franchise.Lamar Today

A 57-year-old former McDonald's employee in Lamar, Missouri has filed a lawsuit alleging age and disability discrimination, as well as a hostile work environment at the franchise location. Tammy Deherrera claims she faced harassment from assistant managers for being "old" and "slow" after returning from a medical leave, leading to reduced hours and a hostile work environment that caused her to seek emergency medical treatment for an anxiety attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges for older workers and those with disabilities in the fast food industry, where high turnover and demanding schedules can create an environment vulnerable to discrimination and retaliation. It also raises questions about corporate oversight and accountability for franchise locations when it comes to upholding anti-discrimination policies.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Deherrera began working at the Lamar McDonald's in July 2024 and had no issues until September and October of that year, when she suffered two slip-and-fall accidents that resulted in compression fractures in her spine. After returning to light duty in April 2025, Deherrera says she faced constant harassment from assistant managers Megan and Destini, who made comments about her being "useless" and "slow." Deherrera also reported inappropriate and threatening behavior from a coworker named Joseph, including sexually explicit comments and an incident where he and Destini dumped ice on Deherrera's head, creating a slip hazard. Despite reporting these incidents to management, Deherrera alleges the harassment continued, her schedule was frequently changed, and her hours were reduced in retaliation.

  • Deherrera began working at the Lamar McDonald's in July 2024.
  • Deherrera suffered two slip-and-fall accidents in September and October 2024.
  • Deherrera returned to light duty work in April 2025.
  • Deherrera reported the harassment to management in May 2025.
  • Deherrera sought emergency medical treatment for an anxiety attack on May 8, 2025.

The players

Tammy Deherrera

A 57-year-old former employee of the Lamar, Missouri McDonald's franchise who is suing the company for age and disability discrimination, as well as creating a hostile work environment.

Megan

An assistant manager at the Lamar McDonald's who allegedly harassed Deherrera, calling her "useless" and "slow."

Destini

An assistant manager at the Lamar McDonald's who allegedly harassed Deherrera and was involved in dumping ice on her head.

Joseph

A coworker at the Lamar McDonald's who allegedly made inappropriate and threatening comments, including sexually explicit language, towards Deherrera and other employees.

Cheyanne

The primary manager at the Lamar McDonald's who allegedly dismissed Deherrera's complaints about the harassment and ice dumping incident.

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What they’re saying

“I don't have time to show you what to do. I don't want to do this because I don't want to.”

— Destini, Assistant Manager

“I will shove this bun up your ass!”

— Joseph, Coworker

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending in Barton County Circuit Court. A judge will need to decide whether to allow the case to proceed and if Deherrera will be granted front pay, back pay, damages, and attorney fees as requested.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges older workers and those with disabilities face in the fast food industry, where high-pressure environments and rapid turnover can enable discrimination and retaliation. It also raises questions about corporate accountability for franchise locations when it comes to upholding anti-discrimination policies.