SkyWest Airlines Found Liable for Disability Discrimination in Montana
In a significant decision, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry ruled that SkyWest Airlines, Inc. violated the Montana Human Rights Act (MHRA) by failing to accommodate an employee with a disability—ultimately awarding $175,458 in damages. The case, Stevens v. SkyWest Airlines, underscores the legal risks of rigid return-to-work policies and the failure to engage in a meaningful interactive process.
Craig Stevens was represented by Scott Peterson of Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson & Deola, PLLP, a Helena-based firm focused on employment and civil rights litigation.
Case Summary
Stevens worked part-time at SkyWest’s Helena station. After injuring his wrist and undergoing surgery, he attempted to return to work in 2021 with lifting restrictions—restrictions that still allowed him to perform the majority of his duties. Despite this, SkyWest insisted on a full medical release and refused to consider modified duty. He was terminated in December 2021.
Legal Findings
The Hearing Officer found that SkyWest:
Failed to engage in the interactive process as required under the MHRA and ADA
Maintained internal policies and forms that restricted accommodation requests
Ignored viable options like light duty, which had worked for Stevens in the past
Damages and Relief
The decision awarded:
$9,382 in lost wages
$29,518 in back travel benefits
$136,558 in future travel benefits
$2,000 for emotional distress
SkyWest was also ordered to complete 10 hours of anti-discrimination training approved by the Montana Human Rights Bureau.
Key Takeaways
This decision reinforces that:
Leave alone is not a sufficient accommodation when an employee can and wants to work
Employees may make informal requests—no special language or forms are required
Rigid internal procedures that discourage or limit accommodations can violate the law
About the Firm
Stevens was represented by Scott Peterson of Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson & Deola, a Helena, Montana law firm known for advocating on behalf of Montana workers in employment and civil rights matters.
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