Woman says Putnam General fired her because of her age

WINFIELD – A Putnam County woman claims she was a victim of age discrimination after being fired from Putnam General Hospital.

Dixie Martin filed the lawsuit May 17 in Putnam Circuit Court. She lists Teays Valley Health Services LLC dba Putnam General as a defendant. Ken Waldenvile also is listed as a defendant, but his role in Martin's firing is not mentioned in the suit.

In her complaint, Martin says she was employed by the hospital for a substantial period of time and that she "consistently performed her duties in a satisfactory manner and met the reasonable expectation of the defendants."

On Dec. 6, 2004, Martin says she was wrongfully discharged from her employment at the hospital. She says the firing "was based upon, in whole or in part" her age.

That, she claims, is a violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

In the suit, filed by Charleston attorney Mark A. Atkinson and Hurricane attorney Frank Armada, Martin says she has suffered and will continue to suffer lost wages and benefits. She also says she suffered indignity, embarrassment, humiliation and emotional distress.

And because she claims the defendants' actions were willful, wanton and/or undertaken with reckless disregard and/or reckless indifference to her rights, Martin seeks punitive damages.

Martin, whose age isn't revealed in the lawsuit, seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as pre-judgment interest, attorney fees, court costs and other relief.

She requests a jury trial.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Ed Eagloski.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 06-C-163