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Friday, March 29, 2024

Helicopter pilot files suit over sexual harassment retaliation

Healthnet

RIPLEY -- A man piloting medical helicopters is suing the air travel and healthcare companies, along with a male nurse, citing human rights violations because he was fired after reporting sexual harassment.


James M. Laubach filed a lawsuit Feb. 25 in Jackson Circuit Court against Air Methods Corp., Healthnet Aeromedical Services, Healthnet Aeromedical Services Inc. and Keith Fletcher, citing retaliation for filing a sexual harassment complaint.

The lawsuit states Laubach had been employed by Air Methods from October 2011 until Dec. 9, 2013, with the job of flying medical helicopters for Healthnet. Laubach notified his flight team leader on Sept. 8, 2013, that Fletcher, who was a nurse working for Healthnet, was engaging in inappropriate touching and grabbing which made him uncomfortable.

Laubach was told Fletcher had been transferred and put on probation, according to the complaint.

Laubach failed a flight check test, but his supervisor said the test violated duty time standards. Laubach was then terminated because Healthnet wanted him fired, according to the complaint. He passed a retest and a physical exam, but still received an unfavorable review, the complaint said.

Laubach is seeking damages for mental and emotional distress, punitive damages, lost wages, the value of lost benefits, job reinstatement, court costs and any other damages the court feels appropriate.

He is being represented by Walt Auvil of Rusen & Auvil P.L.L.C.

Jackson Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-20.

 

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