A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a prominent physical therapy corporation, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to her disabilities. On February 3, 2026, Sekinat Akorede lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Athletico, Ltd., accusing them of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The case details a series of alleged discriminatory actions by Athletico, Ltd., where Akorede claims she faced harassment and was denied reasonable accommodations for her anxiety and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the complaint, Akorede began working as a patient coordinator on March 4, 2025. Despite disclosing her conditions during onboarding and being qualified for her role, she experienced significant stress due to understaffing and an overwhelming workload. Her requests for additional breaks to manage her anxiety were denied by her supervisor, Lara Hayward.
Akorede further alleges that after informing her supervisors about consulting with a psychiatrist for accommodation documentation in May 2025, she was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) which outlined minor infractions and set unattainable goals. She claims this was part of an effort to force her out of the organization. Despite submitting required documentation from her psychiatrist recommending accommodations such as extra breaks and quiet workspace, Akorede asserts that these requests were ignored.
The situation escalated when Akorede was terminated on August 29, 2025, shortly after submitting her accommodation request forms while they were still under review. The stated reason for termination was tardiness; however, Akorede contends this was pretextual given other employees received leniency for similar conduct.
Akorede is seeking various forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. She also demands a jury trial to address all issues raised in the complaint.
Representing Akorede is attorney Travis Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group, Ltd., while no information is provided regarding Athletico’s legal representation his case identified as Case: 1:26-cv-01189.
Source: 126cv01189_Sekinat_Akorede_v_Athletico_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois .pdf
