RIPLEY — A Jackson County man resident is suing a health care group doing business in Charleston, alleging unlawful employment practices when he left their employ.
Matthew Allen Van Meter filed a lawsuit in Jackson Circuit Court against Genesis Healthcare Inc. and Genesis Healthcare of Charleston, alleging breach of contract in 2014.
According the the complaint, Van Meter was employed by the defendants, who provide skilled nursing and medical services and therapies, until Nov. 7, 2014. The suit says Van Meter voluntarily resigned his position with Genesis Healthcare in favor of a new job and that his employers have not paid the plaintiff for fringe benefits owed him at the time of separation in violation of West Virginia law.
The lawsuit states the total cash amount due to the plaintiff is $3,695.55. The suit says because Genesis “knowingly and intentionally” failed to pay benefits due on the next regular payday after his separation from employment, the defendant is liable to the plaintiff in the amount of $11,086.65 for liquidated damages.
Van Meter seeks liquidated damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees and costs not to exceed $74,999.99. He is represented by attorney Bradley Layne of Kayser Layne & Clark in Point Pleasant. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Thomas C. Evans III.
Jackson Circuit Court case number 15-C-82