A former employee is taking legal action against a medical center, claiming disability discrimination. On November 13, 2025, Ellie Kovacs filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Oakland Physicians Medical Center, L.L.C., alleging violations of both federal and state disability laws.
The case centers around Kovacs’ employment at Pontiac General Hospital as an Infection Control/Nurse Educator. She suffers from lumbar and hip issues that significantly limit her daily activities. In August 2023, she provided a note from her healthcare provider requesting accommodations to avoid bending, lifting, squatting, or twisting due to her condition. Despite these limitations being acknowledged by her employer, she was informed that she could not work unless she took time off using paid time off (PTO). Kovacs returned to work on September 4, 2023, but just two days later was given an ultimatum by her manager: quit or be fired. A week later, she was demoted to a Floor Nurse position—a move she interpreted as constructive termination leading to her resignation.
Kovacs alleges that Oakland Physicians Medical Center violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliating against her for requesting them. She argues that these actions were willful and malicious, causing her significant harm including loss of wages and emotional distress. The lawsuit also claims violations under the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act for similar reasons.
Kovacs seeks damages for lost wages—both back pay and front pay—along with compensation for emotional distress and other punitive damages due to the alleged discriminatory practices. Her legal representation is led by Nanette L. Cortese from The Cortese Law Firm PLC.
The case is being overseen by Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis under Case ID 4:25-cv-13618-SDK-APP.
Source: 425cv13618_Ellie_Kovacs_v_Oakland_Physicians_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
