EEOC Sues Minnesota Home Health Care Provider

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A federal agency is suing a Minneapolis area home health care provider for allegedly discriminating against a former employee with a disability.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit Monday against Baywood Home Care.

According to the lawsuit, Laurie Goodnough has fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis that limit her walking and bending. She worked for Baywood Home Care since 2007 as a home health aide in the Mankato area.

An EEOC official says in November 2011, two Baywood employees saw Goodnough walking with a cane and complained. The EEOC says that led to Goodnough's firing.

The lawsuit contends the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is seeking back pay and compensatory damages.

A Baywood attorney says the company does not discriminate and is confident the court will agree.