A recent federal lawsuit alleges that a municipal employer discriminated against an employee with a serious medical condition by denying reasonable accommodations and ultimately terminating his employment. The complaint was filed by Brandon Wright in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia on March 13, 2026, naming the City of Jackson as defendant.
According to court documents, Wright worked as a meter reader for the City of Jackson beginning around October 10, 2022. He states that he suffers from a gallbladder condition involving potentially cancerous polyps, which he says qualifies as a disability under federal law. The lawsuit outlines multiple claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), alleging that Wright faced discrimination based on his disability, was denied reasonable accommodations, experienced retaliation for exercising his rights, and was interfered with in his attempt to take protected leave.
The filing describes several incidents leading up to Wright’s termination. In May 2023, Wright began receiving what he characterizes as unfounded disciplinary write-ups from his supervisor. One cited incident involved Wright declining to perform a task after work hours at the instruction of another city official; despite explaining this to his supervisor Kevin Garner, he received a formal reprimand. Later that year during his performance review in October 2023, Wright disputed several allegations made against him and submitted a rebuttal statement to human resources. However, when reviewing his personnel file months later, he found that this rebuttal was not included.
In January 2024, Wright reported being verbally abused by Garner on two consecutive days. After reporting these incidents to human resources, he says he was advised either to move past the situation or face possible transfer or termination. No written report of these meetings or incidents was maintained by human resources according to the complaint.
Wright’s medical issues became more prominent in early 2024 when diagnostic tests revealed potentially cancerous gallbladder polyps requiring surgery. He informed city officials about his diagnosis and used approved sick time for related appointments. On or around March 7, 2024, Wright requested FMLA leave and short-term disability through human resources representative Holly Bailey. He followed instructions provided but had not yet scheduled surgery at that time.
Wright also requested light duty work during his anticipated recovery period post-surgery but alleges Bailey told him that such accommodations were not available to employees. Shortly thereafter on March 14, 2024, Wright was called into a meeting with Bailey and Garner where he was accused of submitting false meter readings—a charge he denies—and subsequently terminated from employment. According to the complaint, Bailey admitted during this meeting that it was unclear who had actually submitted any supposed false numbers.
The lawsuit asserts five counts: disability discrimination in violation of ADAAA; failure to accommodate under ADAAA; retaliation under ADAAA; interference with exercise of FMLA rights; and retaliation for exercising FMLA rights. Among other allegations, Wright claims “Defendant failed to engage in the interactive process to determine whether any accommodation could be given” and “refused to provide Plaintiff with a reasonable accommodation.” He further alleges “Defendant terminated Plaintiff’s employment on March 14, 2024,” following protected discussions regarding leave requests.
Wright seeks multiple forms of relief including back pay and lost benefits, reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible, compensatory damages for emotional distress and inconvenience, punitive damages for alleged willful conduct by city officials, attorneys’ fees and costs associated with litigation, prejudgment interest as allowed by law, declaratory judgment regarding unlawful practices by the defendant under both statutes cited in the complaint (ADAAA and FMLA), trial by jury on all issues so triable, as well as any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is identified as Case No.: 5:26-cv-00098-MTT in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia Macon Division. Attorneys Jordan P. Rose (GA Bar No. 851471) and Anthony J. Hall (GA Bar No. 318028) of The Leach Firm represent Brandon Wright.
Source: 526cv00098_Brandon_Wright_v_City_of_Jackson_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georiga.pdf
