Stewart v. Orion Federal Credit Union

# Stewart v. Orion Federal Credit Union (2012) **What Happened** A worker filed a lawsuit against Orion Federal Credit Union claiming discrimination and retaliation. During the case, the credit union asked the court to require the worker to turn over their mental health and medical records as part of the discovery process—where both sides exchange information. **What the Court Decided** The court sided with the credit union on one point: the worker had to release their medical and mental health records. However, the court denied the credit union's request to make the worker pay the company's attorney's fees. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case highlights an important tension in employment lawsuits. When workers claim discrimination or retaliation, employers often seek access to medical records as part of their defense. While courts may require workers to provide this information, they won't automatically force workers to pay the employer's legal costs. Workers facing discrimination claims should understand that medical privacy may be limited in court proceedings, but they retain some protections against having to fund opposing counsel's defense.