Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 | 3:04 p.m.
A federal agency said Monday it's suing a Las Vegas taxi company after the firm allegedly refused to hire an applicant for a driver position after learning the applicant has an artificial arm.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said it sued Vegas Western Cab Co. in U.S. District Court. A message for comment was left with Vegas Western Cab's executive offices.
The EEOC said the company violated federal law in refusing to hire Joel Walden for the driver position.
Walden is a single-arm amputee, the agency said. Federal and state regulations allow an amputee to be employed as a driver if he or she uses a prosthetic arm and passes a physical examination, the agency said.
The EEOC, citing the Americans with Disabilities Act, said it attempted to reach a voluntary settlement with the company before filing the suit. The action seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and an injunction "that will ensure a discrimination-free workplace going forward."
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