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Pleasant Prairie Today
By the People, for the People
Pfizer Loses Bid to Dismiss Disability Bias Lawsuit
Warehouse worker's claims of ADA violations can proceed against pharmaceutical giant.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:38pm
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A Pfizer medication bottle highlights the complex legal landscape employers must navigate when making termination decisions involving workers with disabilities.Pleasant Prairie TodayPfizer Inc. must face a lawsuit alleging it fired a warehouse associate, Holly Barrett, for taking prescription oxycodone in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal judge ruled that Barrett's allegations support the inference that Pfizer regarded her as an individual with a disability and terminated her employment because of it.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges companies face in navigating disability accommodation and anti-discrimination laws, especially in industries like manufacturing and logistics where prescription drug use can be a sensitive issue. The ruling underscores the need for employers to carefully evaluate termination decisions involving workers with disabilities or perceived disabilities.
The details
According to the court filing, Barrett was assigned to work at Pfizer's warehouse facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin through the staffing agency Manpower US Inc. The judge dismissed the claims against Manpower, ruling that the agency did not exercise sufficient control or supervision over Barrett's work. However, the judge allowed Barrett's ADA claims against Pfizer to proceed, finding that her allegations were sufficient to support the inference that Pfizer regarded her as disabled and fired her because of it.
- The lawsuit was filed in April 2026.
The players
Holly Barrett
A warehouse associate who was fired by Pfizer for taking prescription oxycodone, leading her to file an ADA discrimination lawsuit against the company.
Pfizer Inc.
A major pharmaceutical company that operates a warehouse facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin where Barrett was employed.
Manpower US Inc.
A staffing agency that assigned Barrett to work at Pfizer's warehouse, but was dismissed from the lawsuit after the judge ruled it did not exercise sufficient control over her employment.
Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries
The federal judge presiding over the case and who ruled that Barrett's ADA claims against Pfizer can proceed.
What’s next
The case will now proceed to the discovery phase as Pfizer prepares its defense against Barrett's ADA claims.
The takeaway
This ruling underscores the need for employers to carefully evaluate termination decisions involving workers with disabilities or perceived disabilities, and to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other anti-discrimination laws.
