Former sewer worker sues Westover over firing

MORGANTOWN – A former Westover sewer board worker is suing the city, the mayor and the board for firing him instead of transferring him to a job he says he was promised at the city garage.

William R. Huggins and his wife Denise filed a lawsuit in Monongalia Circuit Court against the city, its sewer board and its mayor, Dave Johnson. Johnson is also the chairman of the sewer board.

Huggins claims he discussed with Johnson several times in 2008 that he wanted to be transferred to the city garage from the sewer board. Johnson allegedly said it could be done.

On Oct. 14, Huggins claims he prepared a letter that reflected his conversations with Johnson, presumably to submit to the sewer board, but didn't sign it.

Then on Oct. 27, Huggins claims he was injured on the job with the sewer board. He filed a workers' compensation claim and was declared temporarily totally disabled, according to the complaint.

On Nov. 12, Huggins was informed through the sewer board's health insurance carrier that he had been terminated from his position. He claims that Johnson has not been forthcoming with a job offer at the city garage.

Denise Huggins is claiming loss of consortium of her husband.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages plus legal interest and costs.

Jacques R. Williams is representing the plaintiffs.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 09-C-135