Ryan Parks has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, DTE Energy Company, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint was initially lodged in the Circuit Court for Wayne County, Michigan, on September 25, 2025. However, DTE Energy Company has moved to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan as of November 21, 2025.
The case revolves around Parks’ claim that DTE Energy failed to accommodate his medical condition, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which necessitated a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (SICD) implant. According to Parks’ complaint, this condition precluded him from holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a requirement for his role at DTE. Despite requesting accommodations such as being assigned tasks not requiring a CDL or being transferred to another position within the company, Parks alleges that DTE did not provide reasonable alternatives and instead terminated his employment. He contends that this action violates both federal ADA provisions and Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
Parks is seeking various forms of relief from the court. His demands include compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits due to his termination, as well as exemplary and punitive damages. Additionally, he seeks equitable relief in the form of reinstatement to his former position or an equivalent role at DTE Energy. Furthermore, Parks requests an injunction against any further discriminatory practices by DTE Energy and asks for coverage of legal costs and attorney fees.
Representing Ryan Parks is Jerard M. Scanland from Premier Legal Group PLLC. On behalf of DTE Energy Company are attorneys Nicholas Huguelet and Marisa C. Cook from Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone PLC. The case has been assigned Case No. 2:25-cv-13736-SJM-KGA in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan under Judge Dana Hathaway’s oversight.
Source: 225cv13736_Ryan_Parks_v_DTE_Energy_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
