Woman says MVB Bank wrongfully fired her

CLARKSBURG - A woman is suing her former employer over claims of retaliatory discharge.

Tammy Hefner filed a lawsuit Oct. 18 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia against her former employer MVB Bank Inc., MVB Financial Corp. and MVB-Central Inc., citing unlawful violation and retaliation under the Family Medical Leave Act, violation of West Virginia Human Rights Act for disability discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violation of the West Virginia Wage Payment & Collection Act.

Hefner states she was terminated Sept. 17 after taking a valid leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act. The complaint contends the plaintiff was called at home while recovering from surgery and interrogated by the defendant's attorney about a transaction that occurred in June.

Hefner contends she attempted to respond to the inquiry regarding the transaction, but was fired during the telephone conversation. Prior to her termination, the plaintiff had never been disciplined, according to the complaint.

The plaintiff is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages, including punitive and liquidated damages. She is being represented in the case by Charleston attorney Maria Hughes and Mark Goldner of Hughes & Goldner PLLC.

United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Case No. 1:13CV238.