Man accuses Lowe's of discrimination, wrongful termination

CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing Lowe's Home Centers after he claims he was wrongfully terminated from his employment and discriminated against.

Jeff Lasater, an employee of Lowe's, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Matthew Scott Hanning was employed by the defendants from Sept. 19, 2005, until March 28, according to a complaint filed Oct. 25 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Hanning claims he was discharged from his employment because of his disability and because of a workers' compensation claim he had filed.

The defendants violated West Virginia code, according to the suit.

Hanning claims Lasater committed the act of informing Hanning that he was going to be terminated.

The defendants caused Hanning embarrassment, emotional distress and mental anguish, according to the suit.

Hanning is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia M. Ranson, George B. Morrone III and G. Patrick Jacobs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-1908