CLA wins settlement for Worcester family for disability discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 26, 2015

 

Contact: Amy Romero, Staff Attorney 

Phone: (508) 425-2810

Email: aromero@cla-ma.org 

 

Lincoln Village Street Realty Company and Carabetta Enterprises, companies that own and manage Lincoln Village, a 1,213 unit housing complex in Worcester, Massachusetts, will pay $50,000 to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by tenant Leanne Lambert, individually and on behalf of her minor son, at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”). Ms. Lambert was represented by Community Legal Aid attorney Amy Retsinas Romero.

 

In her lawsuit, Ms. Lambert alleged that Lincoln Village engaged in a continuous pattern or practice of discrimination against people with disabilities by failing to respond to reasonable accommodation requests. The lawsuit alleged that, among other issues, Lincoln Village failed to respond to the family’s transfer to a larger unit, which was medically necessary due to the son’s disability. The lawsuit also alleged that Lincoln Village failed to waive air conditioner fees, when tenants could show that air conditioning was necessary for a disability. This complaint is filed less than one year after the Respondents entered into a settlement order for failing to provide reasonable accommodations.

 

In addition to monetary relief, the agreement settling the suit requires that Lincoln Village notify all tenants of their right to request the air conditioning fee waived as a reasonable accommodation, and that training is provided for all employees on housing discrimination laws. The agreement also requires the companies to provide monthly reports of all unit turnovers to the MCAD and Community Legal Aid.

 

“I am extremely fulfilled in knowing that I used my voice for residents like myself who are disabled and being treated unfairly. I feel the outcome was successful. A huge thank you to Community Legal Aid for their dedication in helping my family,” said Leann Lambert.

 

According to recent reports of the MCAD, people with disabilities report more incidences of discrimination than any other group of people. 

 

The case is Lambert v. Lincoln Village, MCAD Docket No. 15-WPR-00385. Community Legal Aid receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist people making reasonable accommodation requests, and in filing complaints of discrimination. Residents of Worcester County who are interested in speaking to a lawyer about their rights under state and federal fair housing laws can call (800) 752-3718, TTY 508-755-3260 or visit the office at 405 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01068.