A U.S. Army veteran is taking legal action against a major energy company, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to his disabilities. Nicholas Gaydos filed a complaint on December 5, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against Duke Energy Business Services LLC. The lawsuit claims violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) after Gaydos was allegedly mistreated following his disclosure of anxiety and ADHD diagnoses.
The court filing details that Gaydos began working with Duke Energy as an intelligence analyst in January 2019 and was later promoted to a senior position based on his performance. However, despite receiving positive feedback from 2019 through 2023, issues arose when he disclosed his ADHD diagnosis to his supervisor, Margaret Fenner, and colleagues in early 2023. According to the complaint, Duke Energy failed to engage in discussions about potential accommodations for Gaydos’ condition.
In September 2023, Gaydos attempted to use a standalone cubicle to mitigate distractions caused by his ADHD but was instructed by Fenner to return to a shared office space. This decision was made despite allowing another employee, Forrest Kelly, remote work flexibility. Furthermore, Gaydos experienced anxiety related to public speaking and requested mock presentations as practice. Although initially agreed upon by Fenner, these sessions were never arranged.
The situation escalated when Gaydos was placed on a performance improvement plan in July 2024 without substantiated reasons compared to peers. Following this development, he filed a complaint with Duke Energy’s human resources department in August 2024 regarding the lack of accommodations and perceived discrimination. Despite assurances from Fenner that she misunderstood his accommodation request regarding workspace usage, no changes were implemented.
Ultimately, Gaydos’ employment was terminated on October 14, 2024. He alleges this action was retaliatory following his discrimination complaints. The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief including reinstatement, damages for economic loss and mental anguish, punitive damages for ADA violations, attorney fees, and any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Gaydos are attorneys Charles H. Rabon Jr., R. Scott Oswald (pro hac vice), and Nicholas Woodfield (pro hac vice). The case is being overseen by Judge [Name not provided] under Case ID: 3:25-cv-00966.
Source: 325cv00966_Gaydos_v_Duke_Energy_Business_Services_LLC_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
