CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing Hughes Supply Co. after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated while he was receiving workers' compensation benefits.
Hughes Supply Co. is doing business as HSC Industrial.
Joshua L. Bowman was employed by the defendant from December 2010 until March 10, 2011, as a communication technician/two-way radio installer, according to a complaint filed July 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Bowman claims he sustained an injury while performing his work duties on Jan. 21, 2011 and attempted to receive benefits through West Virginia Workers' Compensation as a result of the injury.
Despite having an active workers' compensation claim, the defendants unlawfully terminated Bowman's employment on March 10, 2011, according to the suit.
Bowman claims on Oct. 21, 2011, he demanded that he be reinstated with the defendants, but they never responded to his request and failed to reinstate him.
The defendant's actions violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act, according to the suit.
Bowman claims the defendant's termination of his employment was based on his disability or perceived disability.
As a result of the defendant's actions, Bowman has suffered lost wages and benefits; indignity; embarrassment; humiliation; and emotional distress, according to the suit.
Bowman is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Todd S. Bailess and Joy B. Mega.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-1299