Pooping in the wrong place can get you fired. In a case that’s certainly different from your typical work drama, 66-year-old Lenovo salesman Richard Baker found himself in a difficult situation after urinating in a hotel lobby. According to an AFP report, after a work dinner in February 2024, Baker was heading back to his Times Square hotel when nature called to him in a way that couldn’t be ignored. Baker, who has been battling a chronic bladder condition since 2016, didn’t have the luxury of time. Unfortunately, the hotel’s main lobby toilet was out of his reach, and in his haste, he had to poop in a quiet corner of a vestibule on a different floor.

What could have been an awkward but private moment became a much bigger issue when a coworker saw Baker urinating in the hotel lobby. Instead of turning a blind eye, the coworker reported the incident to the human resources department. Lenovo’s response was quick and harsh. Despite knowing about Baker’s medical condition, the company launched an investigation that Baker later described as a “sham,” claiming he wasn’t even interviewed before being shown the door.

But Baker wasn’t ready to let the matter rest. He felt he had been wronged and that his firing was unjust, so he took legal action. He’s now suing Lenovo’s U.S. subsidiary for at least $1.5 million, alleging the company discriminated against him because of his disability. According to Baker, his condition was no secret — his co-workers and managers were aware of it, and he was under the care of a urologist. Still, Lenovo didn’t consider his health needs when deciding to fire him.

The lawsuit argues that Lenovo violated New York state and city human rights laws that protect individuals with disabilities. Baker’s legal team is seeking compensation, not only for the financial losses he has suffered since losing his job, but also for the emotional distress the incident has caused. Baker has been unemployed since being fired from his job at Lenovo, making the situation even more dire.

In Lenovo’s case, they have remained silent about the lawsuit, leaving many wondering how they will defend their actions in court. This case highlights the often overlooked challenges that individuals with chronic health conditions face in the workplace, and it raises important questions about how companies should handle such situations.

For now, Richard Baker is fighting for what he believes is fair treatment, hoping the legal system will work his way. And while this may seem like an unusual story, it highlights an important issue: the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace, especially when health is involved.