The Texas Supreme Court has recently issued a significant ruling that narrows the understanding of what constitutes a “disability” under the Texas Labor Code Section 21.002(6). This decision originated from the case involving Sheri Kowalski, a former employee at a Dallas hospital, who contended that her termination was based on her disability. Kowalski claimed that her severe neck pain impeded her ability to perform daily activities such as driving, typing, and concentrating.
In a detailed assessment, the court concluded that simple “difficulty” with conducting day-to-day tasks does not satisfy the legal criteria for a disability. Instead, there must be substantial evidence showing a major limitation in one or more significant life activities. Kowalski’s case fell short as she could not demonstrate that her condition markedly limited her ability to carry out essential job duties, nor could she prove that her employer was aware of the substantial extent of her neck pain.
A Stricter Interpretation of Disability
The Texas Supreme Court criticized the Dallas appeals court for its earlier decision favoring Kowalski, noting that simply needing accommodations for comfort does not constitute a disability. They argued that relying on mild discomfort to claim a disability significantly lowers the required burden of proof under the Labor Code. This lenient interpretation could enable almost anyone to claim a disability, weakening the strict standards set by the statute.
This pivotal decision emphasizes that employees alleging disability discrimination must provide solid evidence of substantial impairments. Employers need to be thorough when assessing disability claims, ensuring their evaluations are legally sound. Employees must now clearly demonstrate how their condition impacts their job functions, particularly in legal disputes about terminations.
The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling safeguards the legal definition of disability, aligning it with legislative intent and maintaining the precision required by the Labor Code. By keeping strict standards, the court aims to prevent baseless claims that could harm genuinely disabled individuals’ rights.
In summary, the decision stresses the importance of significant evidence for disability claims under the Texas Labor Code. It places responsibility on employees to precisely show their limitations, reaffirming the need for clear legal definitions. Both employees and employers must navigate these standards carefully to ensure fairness and justice.
