Employee claims HealthSouth Corp. retaliated against her

HUNTINGTON - A woman is suing HealthSouth Corporation for allegedly retaliating against her and terminating her employment.

Linda Kelly and Chad Bailey were also named as defendants in the suit.

Rebecca Hughes was hired as a Licensed Practical Nurse at HealthSouth on Jan. 1, 2009, and worked there until Oct. 6, 2011, according to a complaint filed Oct. 4 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Hughes claims on Oct. 6, 2011, she was informed she was no longer allowed to work at the facility because the defendant could no longer accommodate her lifting restriction.

On Dec. 20, 2011, Hughes' employment was officially terminated, according to the suit.

Hughes claims she suffered an on-the-job injury on Feb. 22, 2010, which caused her to suffer a ruptured disc, a torn groin muscle and a fracture to her pelvis.

Following her injury, Hughes filed a claim for Workers' Compensation and disability benefits and the defendants retaliated against her for filing a Workers' Compensation claim by discharging her, according to the suit.

Hughes claims the defendant violated West Virginia Code and the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

The defendant engaged in conduct in an outrageous, reckless, willful, wanton and malicious manner, according to the suit.

Hughes is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. She is being represented by Abraham J. Saad of Saad Law Office.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 13-C-750