In a dramatic turn of events, a long-time employee has taken legal action against her former employer, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. Lydia Gonzalez filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on December 5, 2025, against Essilor Laboratories of America Inc., accusing them of violating federal employment laws. The case brings to light serious allegations of disability discrimination and retaliation following an injury Gonzalez sustained at work.
Lydia Gonzalez, who had dedicated over 30 years to working with Essilor Laboratories and its predecessors, found herself abruptly terminated on December 21, 2023. This followed an incident where she fell and injured her hand at work on October 11, 2023. According to the complaint, Gonzalez requested accommodations due to her injury but was instead met with disciplinary actions that she claims were unfounded. On November 9, 2023, Manager Jairo Cubias issued a Final Corrective Action for attendance infractions allegedly dating back to June 2023—infractions that Gonzalez asserts were addressed without prior discipline. When Gonzalez called in sick with conjunctivitis in December and provided a doctor’s note, she was still terminated shortly after.
Gonzalez’s complaint highlights multiple causes of action under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). She accuses Essilor Laboratories of failing to accommodate her disability as required by law and retaliating against her for seeking such accommodations. Additionally, she alleges that the company interfered with her rights under FMLA by not providing necessary information or paperwork for short-term disability benefits or leave applications. “Defendant terminated Plaintiff for a pretextual reason,” states the complaint, underscoring what Gonzalez believes is an unjust dismissal.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court. Gonzalez is asking for back pay and front pay (including benefits), compensatory damages for emotional distress and suffering caused by the alleged discrimination, punitive damages due to what she describes as malice or reckless indifference by Essilor Laboratories towards her federally protected rights, and liquidated damages equal to lost wages or benefits. Furthermore, she seeks injunctive relief prohibiting further unlawful discrimination by the defendant and declaratory relief acknowledging that her rights were violated.
Representing Lydia Gonzalez is attorney Javier Perez from Perez Law PLLC based in Dallas, Texas. The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:25-cv-03359-D under Judge David C. Godbey’s jurisdiction.
Source: 325cv03359_Lydia_Gonzales_v_Essilor_Laboratories_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
