Case: EEOC v. APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC

4:04-cv-00443 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

Filed Date: April 14, 2004

Closed Date: March 31, 2007

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The St. Louis District Office of the EEOC brought this action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The complaint, filed in April 2004, alleged discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); specifically that Defendant had failed to reasonably accommodate the charging party and then terminated her because of her disability, bi-polar disorder.The parties entered into a consent decree in March 2005. The decree was valid for two years…

The St. Louis District Office of the EEOC brought this action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The complaint, filed in April 2004, alleged discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); specifically that Defendant had failed to reasonably accommodate the charging party and then terminated her because of her disability, bi-polar disorder.

The parties entered into a consent decree in March 2005. The decree was valid for two years and required Defendant to pay the charging party $60,000 ($5,000 in back pay and $55,000 in damages), expunge the charging party's employment record, and provide the charging party with an apology and a neutral employment reference. Defendant was enjoined from discriminating in violation of the ADA, required to post a notice of non-discrimination and report regularly to the EEOC about its compliance with the decree.

The decree was entered in 2005 and scheduled to last 2007. No further docket entries exist, so the case is closed.

Summary Authors

Shankar Viswanathan (7/19/2007)

Clearinghouse (12/22/2018)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:04-cv-00443

Docket (PACER)

EEOC v. Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Docket
1

4:04-cv-00443

Complaint

EEOC v. Apria Healthcare Group

April 14, 2004

April 14, 2004

Complaint
21

4:04-cv-00443

Memorandum and Order [Regarding Defendant's Motion to Dismiss]

EEOC v. Apria Healthcare Group

July 28, 2004

July 28, 2004

Order/Opinion

222 F.R.D. 222

40

4:04-cv-00443

Consent Decree

EEOC v. Apria Healthcare Group

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Settlement Agreement

EEOC Litigation Settlement Report (March 2005)

EEOC v. Apria Healthcare Group

No Court

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Press Release

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 26, 2024, 3:01 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. Waivers issued 1, Consents issued 2, Disclosure of Corporate Interest issued to deft, Jury Demand,, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet # 2 Original Filing Form)(SAJ, ) (Entered: 04/14/2004)

April 14, 2004

April 14, 2004

2

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Paul Patten by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. (GLF) Receipt S2004-7014 for $25.00 filing fee. (Entered: 05/14/2004)

May 14, 2004

May 14, 2004

3

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Robert Arroyo by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. Receipt #S2004-007014 for $25.00 filing fee.(GLF) (Entered: 05/14/2004)

May 14, 2004

May 14, 2004

Receipt # S2004-007014 in the amount of $50.00 for ATTORNEY ADM. FEE - PHV Paul A. PAtten, ATTORNEY ADM. FEE - PHVRobert E. Arroyo on behalf of PATTEN, PAUL A.. (CSW,) (Entered: 05/14/2004)

May 14, 2004

May 14, 2004

4

DISCLOSURE OF CORPORATION INTERESTS CERTIFICATE by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. Parent companies: None, Subsidiaries: None, Publicly held company: Yes,. (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/02/2004)

June 2, 2004

June 2, 2004

5

CJRA ORDER (jgw). Judge Audrey G. Fleissig termed. Case reassigned to Judge Charles A. Shaw for all further proceedings (MCB) (Entered: 06/03/2004)

June 3, 2004

June 3, 2004

6

MOTION to Dismiss Case by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/14/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

7

MEMORANDUM in Support of Motion re 6 MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1 Charge of Discrim.# 2 Exhibit Ex. 2 Ayers Ch. 13 Petition# 3 Exhibit Ex. 3 Ayers Statement of Fin. Int.)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/14/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

8

NOTICE of Filing Exhibit with the Clerk's Office in paper format by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. re 7 Memorandum in Support of Motion, (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/14/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

9

NOTICE of Filing Exhibit with the Clerk's Office in paper format by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. re 7 Memorandum in Support of Motion, (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/14/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

10

NOTICE of Filing Exhibit with the Clerk's Office in paper format by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. re 7 Memorandum in Support of Motion, (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 06/14/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

11

RULE 16 ORDER This case is assigned to Track: 2 Joint Scheduling Plan due by 7/21/2004. Telephonic Rule 16 Conference set for 8/5/2004 at 10:30 AM. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 6/16/04. (KXS, ) Modified on 6/17/2004 (KXS, ). (Entered: 06/16/2004)

June 16, 2004

June 16, 2004

12

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 6 MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Harper, Donna) (Entered: 06/21/2004)

June 21, 2004

June 21, 2004

13

REPLY to Response to Motion re 6 MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Lexis Case)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 07/01/2004)

July 1, 2004

July 1, 2004

14

AMENDED DOCUMENT by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. Amendment to 13 Reply to Response to Motion. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Lexis Case# 2 Exhibit Lexis Case)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 07/01/2004)

July 1, 2004

July 1, 2004

15

MEMORANDUM Memorandum For The Court by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Bankruptcy Court Docket #40# 2 Statement of Financial Affairs Amended)(Harper, Donna) (Entered: 07/16/2004)

July 16, 2004

July 16, 2004

17

JOINT SCHEDULING PLAN by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Joint Proposed Scheduling Plan . (Harper, Donna) (Entered: 07/16/2004)

July 16, 2004

July 16, 2004

18

MOTION for Leave to File Response Memorandum by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Response to EEOC Memo# 2 Notice of Exhibit Filing)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 07/19/2004)

July 19, 2004

July 19, 2004

Docket Text ORDER re: [Doc. 18], MOTION for Leave to File Response to Plaintiff EEOC's Memorandum, filed by Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.; ORDERED GRANTED. The Clerk of the Court shall file Apria's response, which is attached as an exhibit to the instant motion for leave. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on July 20, 2004. (SMH) (Entered: 07/20/2004)

July 20, 2004

July 20, 2004

19

RESPONSE TO Plaintiff's Memorandum of Law re 15 Memorandum by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (MRC, ) (Entered: 07/21/2004)

July 20, 2004

July 20, 2004

20

NOTICE of Filing Exhibit with the Clerk's Office in paper format by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. with attached exhibit 1(JWJ, ) (Entered: 07/23/2004)

July 20, 2004

July 20, 2004

Docket Text ORDER re: [Doc. 16], MOTION to Amend Order Setting Rule 16 Conference filed by EEOC; ORDERED GRANTED. The Rule 16 telephone conference is rescheduled for Thursday, September 2, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. The Order Setting Rule 16 Conference otherwise remains in full force and effect. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on July 21, 2004. (SMH) (Entered: 07/21/2004)

July 21, 2004

July 21, 2004

21

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that deft Apria Healthcase Group, Inc.'s mtn to dismiss is DENIED (#6). Deft shall file its answer to the complaint within the time allowed by Rule 12(a)(4)(A), Fed. R. Civ. P. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 7/28/04. (KXS, ) (Entered: 07/28/2004)

July 28, 2004

July 28, 2004

22

ANSWER to Complaint by Apria Healthcare Group, Inc..(Arroyo, Robert) (Entered: 08/11/2004)

Aug. 11, 2004

Aug. 11, 2004

23

CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER This case is assigned to Track: 2 Motion to Join Parties due by 9/30/2004. Discovery Completion due by 5/31/2005. ADR Future Reference 12/9/2004. Dispositive Motions due by 6/29/2005. Jury Trial set for 10/11/2005 09:00 AM in Courtroom 12N before Honorable Charles A. Shaw. Pretrial Conference set for 10/6/2005 02:00 PM in Courtroom 12N before Honorable Charles A. Shaw. Pretrial Compliance due by 9/21/2005.Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 9/8/04. (KXS, ) (Entered: 09/08/2004)

Sept. 8, 2004

Sept. 8, 2004

24

MOTION for Protective Order Agreed Motion For Protective Order by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Stipulated Protective Order# 2 Exhibit #1 Undertaking Concerning Confidential Material)(Harper, Donna) (Entered: 09/22/2004)

Sept. 22, 2004

Sept. 22, 2004

26

MOTION for Psychiatric Examination by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 11/13/2004)

Nov. 13, 2004

Nov. 13, 2004

27

MOTION to file documents under seal by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (KXS, ) (Entered: 11/16/2004)

Nov. 15, 2004

Nov. 15, 2004

Docket Text ORDER re 27 MOTION to file documents under seal filed by Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. ; ORDERED GRANTED. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 11/17/04. (KXS, ) (Entered: 11/18/2004)

Nov. 17, 2004

Nov. 17, 2004

28

MEMORANDUM in Support of 26 MOTION for Rule 35 Examination filed by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. (FILED UNDER SEAL). (KXS, ) (Entered: 11/18/2004)

Nov. 18, 2004

Nov. 18, 2004

29

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 26 MOTION for Psychiatric Examination filed by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1)(Harper, Donna) (Entered: 11/24/2004)

Nov. 24, 2004

Nov. 24, 2004

30

REPLY to Response to Motion re 26 MOTION for Psychiatric Examination filed by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exh. 1# 2 Exhibit Exh. 2# 3 Exhibit Exh. 3# 4 Exhibit Exh. 4# 5 Exhibit Exh. 5# 6 Exhibit Exh. 6# 7 Exhibit Exh. 7# 8 Notice of Exhibit Filing)(Patten, Paul) (Entered: 12/03/2004)

Dec. 3, 2004

Dec. 3, 2004

31

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Alternative Dispute Resolution. This case is referred to: mediation Designation of Lead Counsel: Barbara A. Seely ADR Completion Deadline due by 2/7/2005. Designation of Neutral due by 12/19/2004.. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 12/9/04. (JWJ, ) (Entered: 12/09/2004)

Dec. 9, 2004

Dec. 9, 2004

32

ENTRY of Appearance by James M. Paul Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.. (Paul, James) (Entered: 12/13/2004)

Dec. 13, 2004

Dec. 13, 2004

33

NOTICE by Defendant Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. re 29 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion, 30 Reply to Response to Motion,, 26 MOTION for Psychiatric Examination December 28, 2004 Hearing on Motion for Rule 35 Examination: (Patten, Paul) (Entered: 12/15/2004)

Dec. 15, 2004

Dec. 15, 2004

34

Designation of Neutral by parties and ADR Conference Report by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Neutral: Charles Elbert Date of Conference: February 4, 2005 time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Kohn Elbert Gianoulakis & Gilijum, LLP; One U.S. Bank Plaza, St. Louis, MO(Seely, Barbara) (Entered: 12/20/2004)

Dec. 20, 2004

Dec. 20, 2004

35

ORDER IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Apria's Motion for Rule 35 Examination is DENIED.[Doc. 26]IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that at trial, the EEOC's evidence about Ms. Ayers'compensatory damages shall be limited to non-expert testimony of "garden variety emotional distress"which will not seek to establish that Apria caused Ms. Ayers psychiatric, psychological or physicalillness or injury.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that at trial, the EEOC shall not present evidence, argue orcomment in the presence of the jury that Dr. Pribor has not met with, examined or consulted Ms.Ayers, unless Apria "opens the door" for such disclosure. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 1/11/05. (KXS, ) (Entered: 01/11/2005)

Jan. 11, 2005

Jan. 11, 2005

36

NOTICE of Appointment of Neutral Neutral name: Charles Elbert, Neutral selected by parties, notice of appointment and order of referral mailed to neutral Elbert.(SAC, ) (Entered: 01/12/2005)

Jan. 12, 2005

Jan. 12, 2005

37

ADR COMPLIANCE REPORT by Neutral: Charles Elbert, Date of Conference: February 4, 2005, participated in good faith: yes, the parties DID achieve a settlement.(SAC, ) (Entered: 02/28/2005)

Feb. 23, 2005

Feb. 23, 2005

38

ORDER IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 10/11/05 trial setting is vacated and pending motions are denied without prejduice. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that counsel shall file within 30 days of the date of this order a stipulation for dismissal, a motion for leave to voluntarily dismiss or a proposed consent judgment. Dismissal Paper(s) due by 4/1/2005.. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 3/3/05. (JWJ, ) (Entered: 03/03/2005)

March 3, 2005

March 3, 2005

39

MOTION for Settlement MEMORANDUM FOR THE COURT by Plaintiff Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Consent Decree)(Harper, Donna) (Entered: 03/24/2005)

March 24, 2005

March 24, 2005

40

CONSENT DECREE - SO ORDERED (CAS), Terminate Case. Signed by Judge Charles A. Shaw on 3/31/2005. (MRC, ) (Entered: 03/31/2005)

March 31, 2005

March 31, 2005

Case Details

State / Territory: Missouri

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 14, 2004

Closing Date: March 31, 2007

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Apria Heathcare Group, Inc., Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 60000

Order Duration: 2005 - 2007

Content of Injunction:

Apology

Expungement of Employment Record

Neutral/Positive Reference

Discrimination Prohibition

Retaliation Prohibition

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Reporting

Monitoring

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Accommodation / Leave

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits