In a striking legal confrontation, a former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, alleging severe violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The complaint was filed by Malikqua Koleosho in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 6, 2026, targeting McDermott Center as the defendant.
The lawsuit accuses McDermott Center of multiple infractions, including discrimination based on disability, failure to accommodate said disability, and retaliation against Koleosho for engaging in protected activities under both ADA and FMLA. Koleosho claims that her employment was wrongfully terminated due to her disabilities and her rightful use of medical leave. The plaintiff alleges that she faced significant harassment and an unlawful denial of her FMLA rights after informing her manager about scheduled bariatric surgery needed for medical reasons such as sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Despite being advised not to complete formal FMLA paperwork by her manager Carolyn Bloom, who offered to pay “under the table,” Koleosho eventually submitted necessary documentation following a fainting incident during work.
Koleosho’s narrative details a hostile work environment post-surgery leave, marked by increased scrutiny from Bloom upon returning from FMLA leave. She recounts an incident where Bloom falsely accused her of absenteeism despite providing evidence of her presence at work. This hostility culminated in allegations from Bloom that led to Koleosho’s administrative leave and eventual termination on October 21, 2025. The termination was purportedly due to attendance violations; however, Koleosho contends this reason was pretextual given Bloom’s absence during the alleged period of misconduct.
The plaintiff seeks comprehensive redress from the court including back pay with interest, front pay, loss of benefits compensation, punitive damages, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. She argues that McDermott Center’s actions constituted willful disregard for her rights under ADA and FMLA statutes.
Representing Malikqua Koleosho is attorney Travis Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding McDermott Center’s legal representation remain undisclosed at this stage. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-01406.
Source: 126cv1406_Malikqua_Koleosho_v_Mcdermott_Center_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
