A former employee is taking legal action against a medical center, alleging discrimination and retaliation. 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. The lawsuit claims violations of both federal and state disability rights laws.
The case revolves around allegations that Oakland Physicians Medical Center failed to accommodate Kovacs’ disabilities while she was employed as an Infection Control/Nurse Educator at Pontiac General Hospital. According to the complaint, Kovacs suffers from lumbar and hip issues that limit her ability to perform major life activities such as walking and sleeping. Despite submitting a medical note on August 22, 2023, requesting accommodations like avoiding bending and lifting until September 6, 2023, the hospital allegedly forced her to take time off using her paid time off (PTO) instead of accommodating her needs.
Kovacs returned to work on September 4, 2023, but just two days later was reportedly given an ultimatum by her manager: quit or be fired. Subsequently, on September 13, she was demoted to a Floor Nurse position—a move she interpreted as constructive termination leading to her resignation. The complaint accuses the medical center of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliating against Kovacs for requesting them.
The lawsuit also cites violations of the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. It claims that these actions were willful and malicious, resulting in damages including loss of wages and benefits, emotional distress, humiliation, and damage to reputation. Kovacs is seeking compensation for these damages along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Represented by attorney Nanette L. Cortese from The Cortese Law Firm PLC in Bingham Farms, Michigan, Kovacs has demanded a jury trial for this case. The filing does not specify a monetary amount sought but emphasizes recovery under applicable disability rights laws.
Source: 225cv13618_Ellie_Kovacs_v_Oakland_Phusicians_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
