Woman says water company discriminated against her

CHARLESTON - A  former employee claims American Water Works Service Company discriminated against her because of her age.

American Water Works Company Inc.; West Virginia-American Water Company; and Jeff McIntyre were also named as defendants in the suit.

Linda Bouvette was employed by the defendants for approximately five years and during her employment, she consistently performed her duties in a satisfactory manner and met the defendants' reasonable expectations, according to a complaint filed April 4 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Bouvette claims on Sept. 21, the defendants willfully, maliciously and unlawfully terminated her employment.

As a result of the defendants' actions, Bouvette suffered lost wages and benefits and is entitled to damages for indignity, embarrassment and humiliation, according to the suit.

Bouvette claims the defendants violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by terminating her employment because of her age.

The defendants' actions caused Bouvette to suffer a loss of use of funds, annoyance and inconvenience, according to the suit.

Bouvette is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. She is being represented by Mark A. Atkinson of Atkinson & Polak PLLC.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-657