Woman sues state for wrongful termination

CHARLESTON – A former state employee filed a lawsuit against a West Virginia state agency for alleged wrongful dismissal.

Erica L. Dickerson filed a lawsuit Jan. 9 in Kanawha Circuit Court against: the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office (WVSTO), John Perdue, treasurer; Carolyn Atkinson; and JoAnn Tinsley,  alleging violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act, wrongful termination and additional infringements.

According to the complaint, Dickerson was terminated while ill with medical conditions. Dickerson had properly notified her employer about her condition and the need for time off, the suit states, and she was fired because of her knowledge about other internal wrongdoing.

The complaint says Dickerson was discriminated against, made to work in a hostile environment and repeatedly harassed by two officers, specifically Atkinson, the deputy treasurer, and Tinsley, the claims manager of unclaimed property. Dickerson alleges emotional distress and loss of pay and benefits, including medical insurance.

The plaintiff seeks: reinstatement; front and back pay; compensation for distress; punitive damages; attorney fees; and costs.

She is representing herself. The case has been assigned to Circuit Court Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-40