A dispute over the termination of a firefighter has led to a federal lawsuit alleging that an employer used improper medical inquiries, failed to follow required procedures, and discriminated based on disability. The complaint was filed by Brian Gueringer in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 30, 2026, naming David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1 as the defendant.
According to the filing, Gueringer claims that his former employer sought to obtain his private medical information without authorization and subjected him to unnecessary medical examinations. He further alleges that he was terminated immediately after providing an unrestricted medical release from his physician clearing him for full duty. The complaint states that the defendant then accelerated his termination date to coincide with the date of his medical clearance.
The background section of the lawsuit outlines Gueringer’s employment history with David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1, beginning November 2, 2023. Gueringer reports that he performed satisfactorily until April 16, 2024, when he was placed on medical leave due to blood clots and Crohn’s Disease by his physician Dr. Rodi. Upon notifying his supervisor about his diagnosis and leave status, Gueringer alleges he received a disparaging remark regarding his health: “We thought you were healthy when we hired you.”
Gueringer asserts that on April 29, 2024, Jennifer Walker—identified as the defendant’s secretary—requested information about his specialist and directed him to sign a release for medical records. Gueringer did not provide consent for this request. The following day, Dr. Rodi’s office informed him that Walker had contacted them seeking records without authorization.
The complaint details subsequent events including being directed by the company to attend a physical examination with a physician selected by the fire company on August 26, 2024; at that time it was determined he was not ready to return to work. On April 10, 2025, Gueringer received a letter stating he would be terminated effective April 14 when his sick leave ended but later provided an unrestricted release allowing him to return April 11. Despite this clearance, Gueringer says the company moved up his termination date to match his release date without providing any reason or procedural protections.
Gueringer claims these actions were taken without adherence to procedural safeguards mandated by Louisiana law—specifically referencing the Louisiana Firefighter Bill of Rights (La. R.S. 33:2181 et seq.)—which requires written notice of charges and an opportunity for response before discipline or termination can occur.
The complaint also references alleged coordination between David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1 and Harvey Volunteer Fire Department #2 regarding decisions about Gueringer’s employment status and termination strategy. In recorded conversations cited in the filing, individuals involved reportedly confirmed shared decision-making processes between departments regarding how they would handle Gueringer’s case.
Gueringer brings multiple causes of action against David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1 under both state and federal law:
– Violation of procedural protections under Louisiana’s Firefighter Bill of Rights;
– Retaliation for exercising statutory sick leave rights;
– Invasion of privacy related to attempts at obtaining confidential medical records;
– Interference with employee benefits protected under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act);
– Deprivation of procedural due process under Section 1983;
– Civil rights conspiracy involving coordinated action with other entities;
– Violation of whistleblower protections under Louisiana law;
– Intentional infliction of emotional distress;
– Failure to comply with public records requests under Louisiana Public Records Act;
– Disability discrimination and retaliation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act;
– Discrimination and retaliation under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including improper medical inquiry claims;
– Conspiracy claims under both federal civil rights statutes (Section 1985(3)) and Louisiana Civil Code article 2324;
– Neglecting duty to prevent conspiracy (Section 1986).
In support of these claims, Gueringer points to statements made by leadership expressing concern over increased insurance costs associated with older or medically affected employees as evidence that discriminatory considerations played a role in his dismissal.
As relief from the court, Gueringer seeks declaratory judgment voiding adverse actions taken against him; reinstatement or front pay; back pay; restoration or compensation for lost benefits; penalty wages; attorney’s fees; compensatory damages including those for emotional distress; pre-and post-judgment interest; liquidated damages where applicable; statutory damages under relevant laws; costs; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is identified as Case Number: 2:26-cv-00670 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Attorneys listed for Brian Gueringer are Karl White (#40991) and Christopher Minias from The Minias Law Firm in New Orleans.
Source: 226cv670_Brian_Gueringer_v_David_Crockett_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf