Amputee Wins $65K Settlement With Utility

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A former employee of Alexandria Light and Power who alleged disability discrimination has won a $65,000 settlement.

Rick Hinrichs was a network administrator and marketing director for the city-owned municipal utility, also known as ALP Utilities.

Hinrichs says an infection forced him to have his right leg amputated below the knee in 2010.

But when Hinrichs returned to work, he says his boss had added new responsibilities to his job description, including climbing ladders.

Hinrichs says he eventually was fired, but the company says he resigned.

Reports say a Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation found probable cause that ALP Utilities discriminated against Hinrichs based on his disability.

An attorney for ALP says the utility's insurance provider will pay Hinrichs. Alexandria Light and Power did not admit wrongdoing.