SpaceX Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Disability Discrimination and Wrongful Termination: What Employees Need to Know

Access to restroom breaks is a fundamental workplace right, but what happens when an employer allegedly punishes an employee for their medical needs? At the heart of a recent lawsuit against SpaceX is a serious allegation that a former employee says he was wrongfully fired simply because he needed frequent bathroom breaks due to a medical condition.

As experienced Los Angeles employment lawyers, we at Azadian Law Group, PC,  understand how vital it is for workers to know their rights, especially when facing discrimination or retaliation from employers.

The Allegations Against SpaceX

According to the lawsuit, Douglas Altshuler, a former SpaceX employee, suffers from Crohn’s disease, a chronic digestive condition that requires frequent restroom use—sometimes up to 14 times in an eight-hour shift. Despite providing medical documentation, Altshuler claims SpaceX refused to accommodate his needs and instead retaliated against him.

He alleges that managers:

• Denied his requests for reasonable accommodations
• Disciplined him for taking necessary bathroom breaks
• Terminated him under the pretext of “performance issues”

Additionally, Altshuler reported unsafe working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals and improper handling of industrial equipment, even claiming that parts were dried in a kitchen where employees prepared food.

Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace

Under federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA) and California labor laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with documented medical conditions, including allowing additional restroom breaks when necessary.

If an employer fires, demotes, or disciplines an employee for requesting these accommodations, it could constitute:

• Disability discrimination
• Wrongful termination
• Retaliation

If you’ve been fired, demoted, or disciplined after requesting medical accommodations or asserting your rights, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Our seasoned Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer can help evaluate your case and fight for the justice you deserve.

This raises a crucial legal question: Was the employee disciplined for legitimate reasons, or was this a case of disability discrimination and wrongful termination?

What This Means for California Employees

SpaceX is a powerful company, but no employer is above the law. Your rights matter whether you work in aerospace or at a local office. This lawsuit shines a spotlight on how even highly visible companies can face serious legal consequences for allegedly mishandling employee rights and accommodations.

• Request medical accommodations without fear of retaliation
• Work in a safe environment free from hazardous conditions
• Challenge wrongful termination if you believe you were fired unfairly

Have You Faced Discrimination or Retaliation at Work

If you’ve been:

• Denied reasonable accommodations for a medical condition
• Disciplined or fired after requesting workplace adjustments
• Exposed to unsafe working conditions

You may have a legal claim. Employers cannot punish employees for asserting their rights, and if they do, you may be entitled to compensation.

How Azadian Law Group, PC Can Help

Our award-winning team of Los Angeles employment lawyers specializes in fighting for employees’ rights. We have a proven track record of holding employers accountable for:

• Wrongful termination
• Disability discrimination
• Retaliation
• Unsafe workplace conditions

Don’t let a powerful company silence you. If you think your rights have been violated, give us a call at 213-229-9031 for a free consultation. We’re here to listen — and to fight for the justice you deserve.