Age Discrimination Complaint Filed Against Global Paint Conglomerate on behalf of PA Woman

Malvern, PA –Attorney Julie A. Uebler of Uebler Law LLC has filed a lawsuit against Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of a global paint and coatings conglomerate, seeking to hold the company accountable for the alleged unlawful firing of a lab manager due to her age. 

Uebler filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of Jana Mekhhal, Ph.D., former Development & Solutions Lab Manager Americas at Akzo Nobel’s Reading, Pennsylvania facility. Dr. Mekhhal, who was 64 at the time of her termination in December 2023, was dismissed despite a strong performance history and with no documented performance issues. The termination followed internal discussions in which supervisors and colleagues raised questions about her retirement plans. 

The complaint also alleges that U.S.-based human resources personnel failed to independently evaluate whether the termination—initiated by overseas management—complied with U.S. employment law.

The lawsuit further asserts that after Mekhhal’s termination, Akzo Nobel reposted her position with reduced experience requirements, including lowering the required years of experience and removing certain technical qualifications. The role was ultimately filled by a significantly younger and less experienced individual.

“Dr. Mekhhal devoted decades to building expertise in her field and consistently delivered strong results throughout her career,” said Uebler. “Regardless of her personal retirement plans—or lack thereof—she had years of professional contribution ahead of her. Targeting an employee for termination or making assumptions based on age or stereotypes is not only a profound injustice; it is a clear violation of the law. I look forward to presenting Dr. Mekhhal’s case in court.”

Uebler will cite violations of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). The lawsuit seeks, on behalf of Dr. Mekhhal, lost wages and benefits, damages for emotional distress and reputational harm, liquidated damages for alleged willful misconduct, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory practices.

The case is captioned Jana Mekhhal v. Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc., Civil Action Case No. 5:26-cv-01113.   The trial is scheduled to begin on December 14, 2026.

Any employees who believe they have been subjected to discrimination similar to that of the plaintiff in this action may contact Uebler Law LLC to discuss their own legal options. Contact the law firm at ueblerlaw.com/contact-us. 

Julie Uebler has worked in the employment law field for over thirty years, primarily representing individuals since 2003. Uebler Law provides advice and negotiation services to individuals in Pennsylvania seeking to protect their rights or maximize their employment opportunities in the workplace. When needed, the firm levels the playing field through litigation of claims to pursue justice for individuals and hold employers accountable for violating workers’ rights. For more information, visit ueblerlaw.com. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.