In a compelling legal battle that highlights issues of workplace discrimination and disability rights, Kelly Beard has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District on November 17, 2025. Beard accuses Ballard Marine Construction of violating federal and state laws by discriminating against her due to her disabilities and military status.
Kelly Beard, a veteran of the U.S. military residing in Cook County, Illinois, served as the Midwest Project Administrator for Ballard Marine Construction. She alleges that despite being qualified for her role, she faced discrimination based on her PTSD and other mental health conditions stemming from her military service. The case is grounded in federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and supplemented by claims under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). According to Beard’s complaint, Ballard Marine Construction failed to accommodate her disabilities and retaliated against her when she asserted her rights under these laws.
The plaintiff recounts a series of distressing experiences at work that led to this legal action. On January 25, 2025, Beard reported a hostile work environment influenced by her disability and military status but claims that Ballard Marine Construction did not investigate these allegations. Furthermore, when she requested reasonable accommodation due to stress and PTSD on February 11, 2025—seeking a break from an ongoing project—her request was denied without engaging in an interactive process to explore feasible accommodations. Just days later, on February 20, 2025, Beard was terminated from her position.
Beard’s lawsuit details how she was subjected to closer scrutiny than other employees who were not disabled or veterans. She describes instances of exclusion from meetings and project discussions while being belittled by supervisors Jaymie Newbigging (VP of Business Operations), Cal Murray (Project Engineer), and Tony Raphael (Regional Manager). Despite requesting additional training opportunities to improve her performance, these requests were allegedly denied.
The complaint seeks various forms of relief from the court: a declaration that Ballard Marine Construction’s practices violated ADA and IHRA; reinstatement or compensation for lost wages exceeding $300,000; punitive damages; coverage of legal fees; and other equitable remedies deemed appropriate by the court. Notably, Beard demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Kelly Beard is attorney Steven D. Horak from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No. 1:25-cv-14042 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District’s Eastern Division.
Source: 125cv14042_Kelly_Beard_v_Ballard_Marine_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
