Elise explained that wrongful termination may occur if an employee has an injury outside of work, particularly if the termination violates a federal or state law.“You are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.This is a law protecting off-duty conduct, like your injury during the soccer match.”
Giselle nodded to herself, still unable to sit down as she walked slowly around the coffee table.“I also read something about being protected from discrimination at the workplace when suffering an injury?”
“Yes, smart girl for doing your own research,” Elise said.“There is discrimination where if the injury results in a disability, your employer, Nigel, would be prohibited from firing you under the ADA.He would also be required to provide a reasonable accommodation.”
Giselle recalled multiple occasions when Nigel berated her for being late even though she had to hobble from a distant parking space before her handicap placard arrived.Reasonable accommodation?My ass.“Please tell me more, Elise.”
“I recall in your files that Nigel threatened you for taking leave for doctor appointments,” the lawyer continued.“The firing may be tied to retaliation for exercising your legal right to take leave, even for an off-duty injury.This also relates to what is considered a violation of public policy, where laws protect employees from termination for lawful off-duty conduct, again, like your soccer game.Overall, we have a decent chance, sweetie.However, don’t believe the cliché term, ‘it’s an open and shut case’.Anything can happen in the justice system, so please let me know how you feel.”
Giselle sighed, her mind pinging in all directions.Her feelings swirled as she learned more.Her stomach fluttered and heart raced.Excitement filled her but also fear.From what she had researched, trying to take someone to court paved a lengthy and difficult path.The emotional commitment might cause tremendous strain.Anxiety over the final judgment haunted her—what if she lost?How would she pay for everything?Judges, lawyers, court proceedings…everything overwhelmed and seem so daunting.
I need to get through this.Take what I learned on the soccer field from my teammates and Coach Jess.Sometimes patience is key as the play is executed.Bite down, dig deep for that grit, and explode into action when the timing is right.Most of all, I need to remember my friends are at my side.
“I’m committed, Elise,” Giselle stated.“I wish to continue.Not for my sake, but for everyone at the auto dealership who has suffered under Nigel.That man needs to understand that what he is doing is not okay.Let’s do this.”
“That’s very brave, Giselle, and I’m with you every step of the way,” Elise responded.“As the situation develops, I’ll provide every detail and update.I’ll start by filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a government agency where a ‘right to sue’ letter must be issued.Afterwards, we can file the lawsuit itself.Depending on what Nigel’s lawyer decides, this case may end up in court for a grueling battle.Or it may reach settlement which is the preferred option for most parties.No one gets sued, a monetary payment is issued, and everyone goes their separate ways.”
An unexpected sob escaped, the multiple emotions bubbling forth.Giselle covered her mouth, her vision blurred by tears.She suddenly wanted to run or hide until everything went away.She also wished to charge forth and deliver justice to the man who caused her so many stress headaches and sleepless nights.
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry,” came Elise’s gentle voice.“This must all be so intimidating, especially to someone your age.You’re just a baby, like my Janice.I’m glad the two of you are friends.”
My friend, and your daughter, spanks me pretty hard.At the thought, Giselle giggled.A surge of cheer welled inside, and she wiped her eyes.“Janice has been a rock, and I’m also grateful we became friends.She’s very special.”
“That’s sweet.Don’t hesitate to call me for anything, Giselle.We’ll be in touch soon, okay?”
“Okay.Have a good night, Elise.Thank you.”
Giselle finally flopped down on the couch, the conversation exhausting her.Another hurdle had been cleared, but several more lay scattered in front of her.At this point, she could only wait for the next bit of news from Elise.
For the next few weeks, Tony made good on his offer to perform Giselle’s physical therapy.The man displayed incredible knowledge, experience, and skill during her treatments.And he didn’t go easy on her.Tony’s sessions proved tough but sensible.He pushed her when she wanted to quit, and encouraged her when the activities increased in challenge.
Tony’s treatment plan commenced with range of motion exercises to increase flexibility around the ankle and foot.Afterwards, she underwent strengthening routines while utilizing resistance bands, hand weights, and her own body weight to fortify the muscles around the ankle.
Once her strength and mobility improved, she graduated to balance and coordination training.Tony had her stand on one leg during various exercises, walk on uneven surfaces, and perform agility drills.Next, she incorporated proprioception activities to enhance her body’s ability and awareness to sense and interpret information from the muscles, joints, and tendons.This required her to stand on balance boards and Bosu balls while squatting or performing other movements.
Giselle continued to receive updates from Elise, but most of it consisted of standard law procedure.However, Elise did speak to Nigel’s lawyer on a few occasions, and the conversations remained cordial as negotiations and case-work continued.
Giselle pushed on with her physical therapy and felt great.She grew thrilled over her improvement and less reliance on the boot.Tony’s expertise proved invaluable as the exercises became easier and her ankle increased in strength.Nearing the end of her sessions, she had graduated to what Tony called functional activities.These drills included variations of walking, running, and jumping.
Late on a Wednesday, Giselle arrived at Wood Hollow University campus and headed for the medical studies plaza consisting of six buildings on the northside.She entered building twelve, the department housing Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum.Even after visiting this place for weeks, she still glanced around and hurried down the empty corridor as if the dean would jump out any moment.Her boot—soon to be removed for good—clacked on the tile.
Giselle quietly entered the workout room and found Tony reviewing today’s session on the laptop.He appeared so handsome.Those bright blue eyes danced over the screen, an intense look she had come to recognize when he concentrated.His brow furrowed slightly as he read, his jaw set.Strong arms bulged the t-shirt wrapping his torso, and thick legs stretched a pair of gray sweat shorts.
I think I’ll take advantage of this moment.
“I’ll get ready on the table for warm-up stretches,” she said, knowing he wouldn’t look up yet.
Men can get so absorbed in things when they have that expression.Tony is in his “yeah, uh-huh” zone right now, so this should be fun.
Tony muttered something as Giselle passed.Holding a smirk, she strode to the padded table used for PT workouts and began to undress.She removed the clunky boot and stripped down to her birthday suit.She hiked herself up onto the soft surface, watching him as her feet moved in a lazy swing.
Tony tapped a few keys on the laptop then clicked the mouse.“I just published today’s workout, so it should appear on your app.You’ll do this one at home for the next week.”He turned.“Your progress—” He stopped cold, mouth agape.
Giselle burst into laughter at the comical look on his face.“Thank you, dear physical therapist.I’m ready for my lesson now.”
“I think you just gave me one,” he replied, the familiar hunger igniting his gaze as he inspected her up and down.“Time for a hands-on demonstration.Lay down.”
Smiling, Giselle shifted and stretched out on her back.Tony approached in stages as he fumbled with his clothes and shoes, casting them aside.He finally stood naked at the foot of the table, his attractive cock dangling.
