On November 7, 2001, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether to reverse a Sixth Circuit ruling that a worker suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome is a qualified individual with a disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Williams v. Toyota Motor Mfg., Ky., Inc., 224 F.3d 840 (6th Cir. 2000).
An assembly line worker at Toyota Motor Company developed carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in her hands and arms while working at the company's plant. The company initially transferred her to an inspection position that she could perform despite her ailments but later expanded her duties to include activities that aggravated her condition. After Toyota refused to limit her duties to only performing the inspection job, she filed suit under the ADA.
The lower court dismissed her case against Toyota, holding that she did not have a disability. The Sixth Circuit reversed, finding that because carpal tunnel syndrome limits the major life activity of performing manual tasks, it qualifies as a disability under the ADA. With more and more workers developing repetitive stress or "ergonomic" injuries, the Supreme Court's decision on this issue could have a substantial impact upon employers and the work places of the future. The decision should be handed down within the Court's current term. Watch for future law@work e-alerts on this subject.
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