CHARLESTON – A man is suing Laboratory Corporation of America after he claims he was discriminated against and wrongfully terminated.
Jeffrey T. Lindenmuth was employed by the defendant from 1983 until Aug. 22, 2013, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court and removed to federal court.
Lindenmuth claims during his employment, he learned that he had a tumor on his kidney that required surgical intervention and the defendant was informed that he would be off work for medical reasons.
On June 10, 2013, Lindenmuth underwent surgery to remove the tumor from his kidney and returned to work on light duty on July 13, 2013, according to the suit.
Lindenmuth claims he was on light duty for approximately two weeks and then he resumed his job duties at full capacity, however, on Aug. 22, 2013, his employment was unlawfully, willfully and maliciously terminated.
At the time of his termination, Lindenmuth was 59 years old, according to the suit, and in a protected class.
Lindenmuth claims the defendant violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by terminating his employment based on his disability and/or perceived disability.
The defendant's decision to terminate Lindenmuth's employment was also done based on his age, which violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act, according to the suit.
Lindenmuth claims the defendant's actions cause him indignity, embarrassment, humiliation and emotional distres.
Lindenmuth is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Valentina G. Wheeler of Wheeler Law Firm PLLC.
Laboratory Corporation of America is represented by Jessie F. Reckart and Mark H. Dellinger of Bowles Rice LLP.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number: 2:15-cv-13368