Employee accuses firm of cheating him

WHEELING — An Ohio County man filed a lawsuit against a commercial services corporation alleging employment law violations in 2014.

Michael Lattocha filed a suit against Firewater Restoration Inc. of Pittsburgh in Ohio Circuit Court, claiming breach of contract beginning in May 2014.

According to the filing, the plaintiff was hired to work for the defendant in its Ohio County office as an estimator and office manager on May 19, 2014 at an initial negotiated salary of $50,000.

Lattocha alleges that the defendant reduced his annual salary to $45,000 without providing the plaintiff written notice; reduced his holiday pay unlawfully; failed to pay for his vacation as allegedly agreed; and made unauthorized reductions to their previously arranged commission agreement.

When the plaintiff gave two weeks’ notice, he was allegedly terminated on the spot and denied his final paycheck, the suit states.

Alleging breach of contract, violation of the Wage Payment and Collection Act, loss of income, aggravation and inconvenience, the plaintiff seeks unpaid wages, liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

Lattocha is represented by Frank Duff and Sandra Law of Schrader Byrd & Companion in Wheeling. The case has been assigned to Judge Martin J. Gaughan.

Ohio Circuit Court case number 15-C-126-MGH