Man sues Rite Aid for discrimination

WINFIELD -- A man who was laid off from Rite Aid is suing for discrimination and retaliatory practices.

Ronald K. Holston was employed as a truck driver for Rite Aid's Rock Branch warehouse and distribution center, according to a complaint filed May 12 in Putnam Circuit Court.

In August 2008, February 2009 and January 2010, Holston claims he suffered from work-related injuries, including his neck and left arm, right shoulder and back.

Holston claims the work-related injuries left him with significant permanent partial disability and ongoing pain, discomfort and the inability to return immediately to his work as a delivery truck driver.

After the January 2010 injury, Holston returned to work with a need for accommodation in the exertion level of his work until he became physically fit to return to his former duties, according to the suit.

Holston claims upon returning to light duty work, he was ridiculed by supervisory personnel and his ability to perform even the simplest tasks was questioned and criticized.

In February, even though Holston was performing light duty work as a clerk in one of Rite Aid's offices, he was told he would be laid off from work because Rite Aid did not need as many truck drivers as in the past, according to the suit.

Holston claims he was laid off and has not worked since. He claims the defendant used discriminatory practices toward him in violation of West Virginia Code.

Holston is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by Harvey D. Peyton.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 10-C-170