Monroe Co. woman says WVAWC wrongly fired her

CHARLESTON -- A Monroe County woman is suing West Virginia-American Water Company after she claims she was wrongfully terminated from her employment.

On Sept. 14, 2008, Lee Ann Gore was hired by the defendant as an administrative assistant, according to a complaint filed April 5 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Gore claims in March 2009 she was told by her treating physician that she might have multiple sclerosis, and shortly thereafter she informed the defendant of the possibility.

On April 20, 2009, Gore was informed that her position at West Virginia-American Water Company had been eliminated, according to the suit.

Gore claims her position was the only one eliminated and she believes her dismissal was because of her health problems.

The defendant terminated Gore's employment on the basis of her disability, which constitutes as a violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act, according to the suit.

Gore is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for all lost wages, distress and humiliation. She is being represented by John A. Kessler and David R. Pogue of Carey, Scott, Douglas & Kessler, PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-649