Genthe v. Quebecor World Lincoln

Submitted: April 13, 2004 Michael Genthe appeals from the district court's1 entry of judgment as a matter of law on two claims that Genthe's employer, Quebecor World Lincoln (Quebecor), unlawfully failed to promote him because it regarded him as having an impairment that substantially limited a major life activity, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12117 et seq. We affirm. Since the age of one, Genthe has suffered from Marfan's Syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder that can manifest itself in various ways. In Genthe's case, he has been left with some curvature of the spine, subluxation of the lenses of the eyes, damage to his aorta, long extremities, and a sunken chest. Notwithstanding the effects of the syndrome, Genthe had worked, with some accommodation regarding limitations on lifting and on overtime hours, for the seven years prior to the initiation of this lawsuit as a Journeyman II Apprentice (J-2) in Quebecor's bindery factory.2 J-2s were commonly called upon to assist with the operation of the various machines in the bindery factory; to lift and move heavy bundles alone or with other employees; to see accurately and to possess good near, distance, and color vision; and to frequently work overtime.