A former employee is taking legal action against a corporation, alleging wrongful termination due to discrimination based on his disability. On February 16, 2026, Phillip Pham filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against TIAA. Pham claims that his dismissal was in violation of both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA).
Phillip Pham began working for TIAA in November 2015 and had been a high-performing employee until he suffered multiple concussions, which significantly impacted his health. The first concussion occurred in 2016, leading to memory loss and delayed speech. Despite these challenges, Pham continued to excel at work. However, after subsequent concussions in September 2021 and July 2023, he required medical leave and accommodations upon returning to work. His physician recommended reduced working hours and blue screen protection to accommodate his post-concussive symptoms.
Pham alleges that TIAA failed to provide reasonable accommodations for his disability as required by law. Despite submitting medical documentation supporting his need for reduced hours and specific equipment, TIAA did not adjust his workload or approve necessary accommodations promptly. Instead, Pham faced increased pressure from management, including unrealistic performance targets that were not imposed on other employees.
Furthermore, Pham encountered issues with his Client Relationship Manager, Margaret Webster, who allegedly mishandled client communications during his absence. This led to client complaints being wrongly attributed to him. His manager at TIAA also reportedly restricted his time off during holidays and made decisions that reduced the assets under his management.
After attempting to resolve these issues internally without success, Pham was terminated on October 15, 2024. He claims this termination was discriminatory and retaliatory due to his disability and requests for accommodation. Following his dismissal, Pham struggled financially and emotionally but has since started a new venture called Phamily Phinancial Group.
In the lawsuit, Pham seeks compensatory damages for monetary losses and emotional distress caused by the alleged discrimination. He also demands exemplary damages and reimbursement of legal fees incurred while pursuing justice.
Representing Phillip Pham are attorneys Noah S. Hurwitz and Colin H. Wilkin from Hurwitz Law PLLC based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The case is presided over by Judge Terrence G. Berg under Case ID: 2:26-cv-10527-TGB-KGA.
Source: 226cv10527_Phillip_Pham_v_TiAA_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michiganpdf.pdf