Up with EAPs – Company benefit helps mitigate employee lawsuit

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Abstract: This article discusses a case in which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit had to decide whether a terminated employee’s alcoholism constituted a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act. The defendant’s employee benefit — its Employee Assistance Program — played a role in the outcome. Ames v. Home Depot Incorporated, No. 09-4151, Jan. 6, 2011 (7th Cir.)