In a striking case that highlights the ongoing challenges faced by employees with disabilities, Valerie Galbraith has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, Lhoist North America of Texas, LLC. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on November 21, 2025. Galbraith alleges that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliating against her for asserting her rights under the ADA.
Valerie Galbraith, who worked as a Talent Acquisition professional at Lhoist’s Fort Worth location since December 2022, claims she was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder during her employment. This condition is recognized as a disability under the ADA because it substantially limits one or more major life activities. Galbraith asserts that she informed her supervisors and Human Resources about her condition and requested accommodations such as a flexible work schedule and remote work options. Despite providing documentation to support these requests, she alleges that Lhoist failed to engage in an interactive process to determine effective accommodations.
Instead of addressing her needs, Galbraith claims she received a “last chance” letter from Lhoist in August 2023 and was subsequently terminated later that month. She argues that these actions were not only discriminatory but also retaliatory, as they followed her requests for accommodation. The plaintiff maintains that her proposed accommodations were reasonable and would not have imposed undue hardship on the company while enabling her to perform essential job functions.
Galbraith is seeking several forms of relief from the court. She requests back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and injunctive relief requiring Lhoist to implement ADA-compliant policies. Additionally, she seeks pre- and post-judgment interest and coverage of legal costs associated with this action.
Representing herself pro se in this case, Valerie Galbraith stands firm in her allegations against Lhoist North America of Texas, LLC. The case is being presided over by Judge E-BN under Case ID 3:25-cv-03207-E-BN.
Source: 325cv03207_Valerie_Galbraith_v_Lhoist_North_America_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
