A former employee of a major multinational medical devices and healthcare company has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation based on her disability. On March 3, 2025, Jessica Mayhew lodged her complaint against Abbott Laboratories, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Maine. The case brings to light significant allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA), and the Maine Whistleblower Protection Act (MWPA).
Jessica Mayhew began her tenure at Abbott Laboratories on May 15, 2020, as a Quality Assurance Specialist at their Scarborough, Maine location. She suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and syncope—conditions that significantly impacted her work life. According to Mayhew, these conditions were exacerbated by an attack from her therapist during a mental break in a session. Throughout her employment, she claims Abbott failed to accommodate her disabilities adequately despite multiple requests and documentation from her healthcare providers.
Mayhew’s complaints detail numerous instances where she felt discriminated against due to her disabilities. She alleges that Abbott did not allow her to work remotely four days per week as recommended by her primary care physician but permitted other colleagues without disabilities similar flexibilities. Moreover, Mayhew asserts that she was subject to condescending behavior from HR personnel when seeking accommodations and was assigned additional tasks beyond her capacity while being denied promotion opportunities due to concerns about her mental health.
The lawsuit also highlights Mayhew’s whistleblower activities concerning quality standards for COVID-19 test products. She reported witnessing defective products being allowed into the market and claims this advocacy led to further retaliation from Abbott management.
In seeking justice through the court system, Mayhew is requesting compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. Her legal representation argues that Abbott’s actions violated both federal and state laws designed to protect employees with disabilities from discrimination and retaliation.
Representing Jessica Mayhew are attorneys Laura H. White and Danielle Quinlan of White & Quinlan LLC based in Kennebunk, Maine. The case is presided over by Judge [Name Not Provided] under Case ID: 1:26-cv-01431.
Source: 126cv01431_Jessica_Mayhew_v_Abbott_Laboraties_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
