Ohio woman says she was wrongly fired by Value City

WHEELING - An Ohio woman has filed suit against Value City Furniture, alleging she was wrongfully fired from her job at the store.

Danialle Thomas claims she was wrongfully terminated from her job as a sales associate at the store after she applied for and was approved for short-term disability.

Thomas, who was hired by Value City Furniture in the summer of 2006, suffered from a severe medical condition in July 2007, according to the complaint filed in Marshall Circuit Court.

After the incident, she requested medical leave, but was denied, the suit states.

Thomas claims she was approved for short-term disability benefits under her benefits package with the company, but was fired immediately after her approval.

Because of her termination, Thomas has suffered annoyance, inconvenience, humiliation, embarrassment, fear and emotional distress, according to the complaint.

She has also lost wages and benefits, the suit states.

She claims her termination was in retaliation because she filed for benefits and that she did not commit any dischargeable offenses.

Thomas is seeking a judgment against Value City that would adequately compensate Thomas for its acts.

She is also seeking a judgment that would punish and deter Value City from committing the same conduct in West Virginia in the future.

Thomas is seeking a sum in excess of $50,000, unspecified punitive damages, plus attorney's fees, costs, interest and other relief the court deems just.

Her case has been moved to federal court at the request of Value City.

Erika H. Klie of Klie Law Offices in Buckannon will be representing Thomas.

Jason Long and Matthew Nelson of Dinsmore & Shohl in Morgantown will be representing Value City.

U.S. District Court case number: 5:08-CV-150