Man says he was fired for for seeking workers' comp

MADISON – A Raleigh County man is suing over claims he was fired for attempting to claim workers' compensation benefits.

Eric Besenyei filed a lawsuit Oct. 24 in Boone Circuit Court against Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Larita Martin, citing retaliatory discharge.

According to the complaint, Besenyei had been employed by Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals for about 10 years when he was discharged Dec. 31, 2012. Besenyei says the decision to terminate his employment, which involved his supervisor, Martin, was made in retaliation for his attempt to receive workers' compensation benefits.

The defendants are accused of retaliatory discharge, violating the West Virginia code in failing to reinstate Besenyei after his injury and violating the West Virginia Human Rights Act for failing to accommodate his perceived disability.

Besenyei seeks punitive damages, interest, attorney fees and costs.

He is represented by attorneys Mark A. Atkinson and John-Mark Atkinson of Atkinson and Polak in Charleston, and Michael A. Olivio of Olivio & Griffith in Charleston.

Boone Circuit Court case number: 14-C-197