A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging age and disability discrimination, along with violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). On November 13, 2025, James Adams filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Walmart Stores, Inc.
James Adams, a 66-year-old African-American male from Flint, Michigan, claims that his employer engaged in discriminatory practices that targeted older employees under the guise of corporate restructuring. According to Adams, Walmart’s restructuring program disproportionately affected long-term employees by eliminating Assistant Manager positions and creating new “Coach” roles. Adams alleges that he was unfairly demoted to an hourly associate position before being allowed to apply for the Coach role—a requirement not imposed on younger colleagues. This alleged demotion was part of a pattern of age discrimination at Walmart.
Adams further contends that he faced excessive disciplinary actions intended to build a false record for termination. He cites several incidents where he received severe disciplinary actions for minor infractions or misunderstandings. For instance, he was disciplined for opening a conference room door without knowing it was occupied and for making a joking comment during a team meeting—actions which he argues were used as pretexts for discrimination.
In early 2023, Adams experienced significant hip problems requiring surgery and notified his supervisors about his need for medical leave under FMLA. However, just days after receiving formal approval for FMLA leave in March 2023, interim Store Manager Anthony Sanders terminated him citing a safety violation—an accusation Adams claims is false and retaliatory. He asserts that this termination violated both FMLA’s protections against retaliation and interference as well as civil rights laws prohibiting age and disability discrimination.
Adams seeks various forms of relief from the court including reinstatement to his position or equivalent employment with back pay; compensatory damages for lost wages; benefits; emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney fees; costs associated with bringing this action; declaratory judgment affirming Defendant’s unlawful conduct; injunctive relief preventing future discriminatory practices by Walmart; among other remedies deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is being handled by attorneys Andre M. Sokolowski and Dora Hermiz Sokolowski from The Lex Firm P.C., representing James Adams. The presiding judge over this matter is yet to be assigned but it falls under Case ID: 4:25-cv-13626-LVP-EAS.
Source: 425cv13626_James_Adams_v_Walmart_Stores_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
