NEW CUMBERLAND -- A West Virginia man has filed a potential class action, alleging his employer terminated his position unlawfully.
Blaine Pannet, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a lawsuit May 1 in Hancock Circuit Court against Environmental Drilling Solutions LLC, citing violation of public policy, retaliation and disability discrimination.
Pannet claims he was employed by the defendant to work at its Hancock County facility until Feb. 12, 2013. The suit alleges Pannet repeatedly complained to the defendant about safety concerns he had performing the necessary jobs without a helper to assist him with the heavy labor.
According to the brief, Pannet sprained his back Feb. 9, 2013, and gave the defendant a doctor's note requiring five days off work. In turn, the defendant terminated Pannet on Feb. 12, 2013, for filing a workers' compensation claim.
Pannet is seeking damages, past and future lost wages, attorney's fees and court costs.
He is being represented in the case by attorneys Frank X. Duff and Sandra K. Law of Schrader Byrd and Companion PLLC.
Hancock Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-65M
Class action claims Hancock Co. driller fired man illegaly
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