Fired While On Fmla For Injury Sustained At Work

I live in Washington state and am seeking advice for an upcoming mediation with former employer and the EEOC.

In 2025 I was injured on the job and HR refused to make reasonable accommodations so I was forced to take paid FMLA while I waited for L&I to approve surgery. By the company's own rules regarding physical abilities needed to work, I was cleared by my doctor to return to work while I waited for surgery. The day I sent my employer the doctor's note (Activity Prescription Form) saying I could work is the day they fired me saying I wasn't able to physically do what they needed... even though the doctor cleared me..?

I was also still on FMLA when they fired me...

I filed a complaint with EEOC and they determined I have a case and we are having a mediation in May 2026.

I was a good worker with no disciplinary issues but they refused to hire me back after I had surgery, even though they had open positions. So I was out of work for 9 months and was not able to find a position in my field so I have been struggling financially since taking a minimum wage job. My whole life turned to hell and my mental health took a nose dive, I am struggling and need help. I can't afford a lawyer but luckily I kept all the emails / texts / Slack messages / employment documents, so I have a TON of evidence. I have everything organized and labeled and am going to double check the timeline I made to ensure accuracy. I am just so depressed that it is hard to concentrate and I have 4 weeks to get ready for this important legal session and I am really anxious.

Any advice for representing myself at the mediation? What should I do?

Thank you ❤️

Location: Everett, WA