WHEELING – A former manager for Russell Nesbitt Services says she was fired in retaliation for coming forward with gender discrimination complaints against its executive director.
Jennifer Lough filed a lawsuit in Ohio Circuit Court against Russell Nesbitt Services Inc. and its employees, Brian J. Breyer and Tru Jorris, alleging retaliation in violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act, retaliatory/public policy discharge, breach of contract/implied contract, promissory/equitable estoppel and negligent hiring.
According to the suit, Lough was clinical services manager overseeing five departments for Russell Nesbitt Services until her Sept. 2, 2014, termination. The termination allegedly occurred after Lough brought complaints about Breyer’s workplace behavior from other female co-workers to Jorris’ attention. She also shared her concerns with Breyer directly. The complaint states Breyer was disrespectful toward female employees, constituting gender discrimination.
After the complaints were shared, on Aug. 21, 2014, Lough was placed on a performance improvement plan, allegedly in retaliation for the complaints about Breyer. Though the plan was allegedly to last 60 days, Lough was fired.
Lough seeks a jury trial and punitive and compensatory damages. She is represented by Nicholas A. Wininsky of Wininsky Law Offices in Pittsburgh.
Ohio Circuit Court case number 15-C-145