Former employee sues PAIS for violations of Human Rights Act

HUNTINGTON -- A Kentucky woman is suing her former employer for violations under the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Deborah Handshoe was hired by Psychological Assessment and Intervention Services as a therapeutic consultant, according to a complaint filed March 2 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Handshoe claims during her employment she was never disciplined and always performed her job duties in a professional and exemplary manner.

Handshoe claims Dale Rice, the owner of PAIS, indicated during an Internal Review Committee meeting that "old people did not make good employees."

All other therapeutic consultants and PAIS were under the age of 40, according to the suit.

Handshoe's employment was terminated on Jan 22, 2010. She claims Laura White, the clinical director if PAIS, recommended she file an internal grievance, but PAIS has not responded to the grievance in any manner.

PAIS paid Handshoe her wages, but refused to reimburse her for cell phone charges of $20 on two separate months, as well as reimbursement for a criminal background check in the amount of $40.

Handshoe claims her employment was terminated because she is over 40 years old, which is in violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Handshoe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and reimbursement for expenses in the amount of $80. She is being represented by Timothy P. Rosinsky.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 10-C-177