Discrimination lawsuit against Valley Health Systems dismissed

HUNTINGTON - A discrimination lawsuit against Valley Health Systems settled and dismissed from Cabell Circuit Court in late 2011.

On Dec. 6, 2011, a dismissal order was filed in Cabell Circuit Court ordering that the case be dismissed as compromised, agreed and settled with prejudice.

Brooke Samples was employed by Valley Health Systems and claimed she had consistently performed her duties in a satisfactory manner and met the defendant's reasonable expectations, according to a complaint filed Jan. 31, 2011.

Samples claimed when her physician required her to be off from work because of pregnancy complications in 2010, and then post-pregnancy problems after her child was born, Valley Health Systems wrongfully terminated her employment.

In her suit, Samples claimed Valley Health Systems violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by discriminating against her because of her disability and because of her gender.

Samples was represented by John C. Blair and Kendal E. Partlow of Blair Law Offices. Valley Health Systems was represented by Cheryl Lynne Connelly of Campbell Woods PLLC.

The case was assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-46