Former employee sues Select Specialty Hospital-Charleston for unlawful termination

CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing Select Specialty Hospital-Charleston Inc. after she claims her employment was unlawfully terminated.

Shari Bullard had been employed by the defendant as a licensed registered nurse since July 9, 2007, and during her employment she consistently performed her duties in a satisfactory manner and met reasonable expectations of the defendant, according to a complaint filed March 5 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Bullard claims on April 2, 2008, the defendant willfully, maliciously and unlawfully terminated her employment in retaliation for reporting wrongdoing and potential malpractice which could ultimately endanger patients' lives.

As a result of the defendant's actions, Bullard has suffered lost wages and benefits.

Bullard claims during her employment she made complaints to the defendant about inadequate staffing that may compromise patient safety and care. She claims she also made it known her concerns regarding the competency of nursing staff and care providing physicians.

Bullard is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Stephen P. New.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-415