After dedicating 28 years to the St. Paul city attorney’s office, Lisa Veith departed from her role under contentious circumstances. Veith alleged that the workplace environment had become intolerable, compelling her to resign before qualifying for full retirement benefits. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a battle with skin cancer that had spread to her brain, she maintained an impressive record, never losing a case at trial during her tenure.
The legal dispute between Veith and the city, along with former colleagues Lyndsey Olson and Rachel Tierney, culminated in a lawsuit accusing the city of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, and reprisal under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The litigation, marked by delays and procedural challenges, eventually resulted in a $165,000 settlement without an admission of fault from either party.
Veith expressed frustration with the settlement, considering her substantial personal expenditure on legal battles. Her allegations spotlighted issues within the city attorney’s office, including alleged mismanagement and inadequate response to her health accommodations. The city maintained that it had engaged appropriately with Veith regarding workplace accommodations and that efforts to address her health-related needs were made, although Veith contended these interactions were superficial.
Veith’s career was highlighted by handling complex legal cases, including significant telecommunications negotiations with major cable providers and challenging right-of-way street assessments. Despite her professional achievements, she faced performance reviews and improvement plans she believed were unjustified. Her experiences underscore the difficulties she encountered balancing her health needs with professional responsibilities.
Context and Clarity
This case underscores the complexities involved in balancing workplace accommodations with maintaining job responsibilities—a significant concern for employees facing serious health issues. It reveals the potential challenges within organizational structures when accommodating such needs, highlighting the importance of transparent and effective communication between employees and management.
The financial settlement, while resolving the legal dispute, does not erase the emotional and professional toll experienced by Veith. This situation serves as a reminder for organizations to assess and improve their policies and processes regarding employee accommodations, especially for those dealing with significant health challenges. It also raises awareness about ensuring fair and supportive work environments, reinforcing the need for organizational empathy and responsiveness to individual circumstances.