International Fiber accused of firing man over FMLA leave

CHARLESTON - A Putnam County man is suing his former employer, stating his Family Medical Leave Act rights were violated.

William Bryant filed a lawsuit Dec. 2 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against International Fiber Corp.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was working at the defendant's facility in Nitro from Oct. 14, 1995, until Jan. 16, 2012. During his employment, Bryant suffered from serious health conditions relating to his spine, back and digestive system, which the defendant was made aware of in June 2011.

According to the complaint, Bryant used his rights under the Family Medical Leave Act during his last year of employment with the defendant for treatment, but was subsequently terminated for missing excessive days of work.

Bryant is seeking all damages including lost wages, back pay and front pay, lost benefits, reinstatement, damages for emotional distress and mental anguish. He is being represented in the case by attorney William P. Lauro of Hughes & Goldner PLLC.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Civil Action No. 2:13-30738