Plaintiff alleges software company violated disability rights

In a compelling legal battle that underscores the challenges faced by employees with disabilities, Michelle Bland has filed a lawsuit against Constellation Software Inc., doing business as Elovate, and Modaxo Traffic Management USA Inc. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas on February 23, 2026. Bland accuses her former employer of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, retaliation, interference with federally protected medical leave rights, and wrongful termination.

Michelle Bland’s journey began when she was employed in the public safety and automated traffic enforcement sector for nearly fifteen years. Her career took a turn in May 2024 when Conduent Inc.’s Public Safety Solutions business was acquired by Modaxo Traffic Management USA Inc., operating under Constellation Software Inc. Despite this corporate transition, Bland’s role remained unchanged until health issues emerged. In June 2024, she experienced severe medical conditions that required her to seek leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, her request was denied on the grounds that she had not completed twelve months of service post-acquisition. Instead, she resorted to short-term disability benefits while maintaining communication with her employer about her health status.

The situation escalated when Bland was informed by her employer on September 24, 2024, that her employment was terminated due to prolonged illness while she was still on approved medical leave. This decision came despite Bland’s continuous updates regarding her condition and anticipated return to work following necessary surgery. The termination also led to an immediate cancellation of her medical insurance coverage, forcing Bland to pay out-of-pocket for essential surgical procedures.

Bland’s lawsuit alleges multiple violations of federal and state laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FMLA, and Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA). She claims that her former employers failed to provide reasonable accommodations or engage in an interactive process regarding her disability needs. Additionally, Bland asserts that they interfered with her FMLA rights by denying job-protected leave based solely on tenure post-acquisition without considering continuity of service.

Through this legal action, Michelle Bland seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for lost wages and benefits among other economic losses. She also demands punitive damages under ADA/ADAAA and TCHRA for intentional misconduct by the defendants along with declaratory relief affirming violations of federal laws protecting disabled workers’ rights.

Representing Michelle Bland is attorney Alvin Adjei from HKM Employment Attorneys LLP based in Houston. The case is presided over by judges at the Southern District Court of Texas under Case ID: 4:26-cv-01482.