Nurse accuse hospital of wrongful termination

BECKLEY — A Raleigh County woman has sued her employer, alleging violation of employment policy regarding injuries.

Linda Arbaugh filed a lawsuit Feb. 19 in Raleigh Circuit Court against Raleigh General Hospital, alleging wrongful termination.

According to the complaint, Arbaugh, a licensed practical nurse, was injured May 9, 2013, while at work, hurting her hip, back, head, shoulders and right hand. She filed a workers’ compensation claim and received benefits for a 9-1/2-month medical leave, the suit states, but Arbaugh was subjected to harassment following her return to work and subsequently fired for absences due to the condition created by her injury.

Arbaugh alleges she was subjected to multiple schedule changes, noncompliance with her doctor’s orders for light duty and task rotation, and a forcible “new employee orientation.” The suit says Raleigh General violated West Virginia’s public policy and the state’s Human Rights Act, plus discriminatory treatment and willful retaliation.

Arbaugh seeks compensation for lost wages, punitive damages for her alleged mistreatment, attorney fees and costs.

She is represented by attorney Anthony Salvatore of Hewitt and Salvatore in Fayetteville. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Robert A. Burnside.

Raleigh Circuit Court, case no. 15-C-127-B