EEOC accuses AutoZone of disability discrimination

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A federal agency is accusing auto-parts retailer AutoZone Inc. of illegally firing a Cudahy employee because of her disability.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against AutoZone this week.

The EEOC says the company fired a manager in its Cudahy store in 2009. The agency says the woman had just received a doctor's clearance to return to work with a lifting restriction, following an injury to her shoulder two years earlier.

The EEOC says AutoZone failed to provide reasonable accommodation to her injury and fired her.

AutoZone spokesman Ray Pohlman says the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages.