The court of appeals affirmed in part a judgment of the district court, reversed in part and remanded. The court held that a claimant under the Americans with Disabilities Acts who files a complaint with and receives a right-to-sue letter from a state agency acting, with respect to ADA complaints, as the agent of the EEOC may file suit without filing a separate complaint with the EEOC.
James Stiefel was employed as an ironworker by Bechtel Construction Company from May 2004 until he was laid off in March 2006. Stiefel injured his left hand while on the job five weeks before being laid off. After a Bechtel doctor placed his hand in a splint and released him to work without restrictions, Stiefel complained to a supervisor that the injury would not permit him to perform his normal duties. An orthopedist procured by Bechtel then wrapped Stiefel’s arm in a cast and cleared him for light duty with no use of his left hand.
