Former employee accuses Suddenlink of discrimination

PRINCETON – A man is suing over claims he was fired from his job after being diagnosed with arthritis.

Bobby Michael Caldwell filed a lawsuit Aug. 18 in Mercer Circuit Court against Universal Cable Holdings Inc., doing business as Suddenlink, Duska Arbaugh and Jack Ozminkowski, citing discrimination.

According to the complaint, Caldwell was employed as a broad band technician by Suddenlink when he was diagnosed with arthritis in 2012 and prohibited from climbing poles and ladders by his treating physician in June 2013.

Caldwell says Suddenlink refused to accommodate his disability and put him on a leave of absence, while making similar accommodations for employees similarly situated, and then terminated his employment Jan. 6. The defendants are accused of disability discrimination, violation of West Virginia public policy and age discrimination.

Caldwell is seeking damages, back pay and benefits, attorney's fees and front pay or reinstatement.

He is being represented in the case by attorneys Stephen B. Farmer and Matthew H. Nelson of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC in Morgantown. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge William J. Sadler.

Mercer Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-474-WS