RockTenn Company and RockTenn Services, Inc. will be forced to pay $187,500 to settle a disability discrimination suit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of a former HR manager.

The Michigan paper and packing manufacturer violated federal law by failing to accommodate the disability of Glenn Janisch. During a pre-authorized short term disability leave, due to his severe coronary artery disease, Janisch was informed that he was terminated.

According to the EEOC, Janisch started working for RockTenn at the end of 2010 as the Human Resources Manager for the Battle Creek plant. Janisch had open-heart coronary bypass surgery in January 2011 and was authorized for short term disability leave through mid-April 2011.

In early March, however, Janisch received great news from his doctor that he was cleared to return to work, initially for half days. He quickly notified RockTenn that he would be returning to work on March 21. On March 10, RockTenn terminated Janisch.

In addition to the $187,500 awarded, the settlement prohibits RockTenn from any such discrimination in the future and is required to post a notice about the lawsuit and employee rights under the ADA. RockTenn will also have to train their Human Resource Managers and the Battle Creek Plant Location Managers on disability discrimination.

Human resource experts urge employers to take the time to understand employment law. In this particular case, the law is extremely clear – medical leave of absence is a reasonable accommodation under suitable circumstances.   A lack of federal law understanding cost this company far more than just an employee.