LOGAN – An Omar man claims his employer unlawfully fired him because of his diabetes.
Arnold Meadows Jr. filed a lawsuit on Dec. 7 in Logan Circuit Court against Glen Ravin Technical Fabrics and Deborah Butcher, citing violations of the West Virginia Human Rights Act and the West Virginia Worker's Compensation Act and invasion of privacy.
According to the complaint, Meadows was an employee of Glen Ravin as a sewing machine operator from Sept. 26, 1995, until his termination on July 15. Meadows was injured on the job in April and was placed on light duty per doctor's orders. He filed a workers' compensation claim. The complaint states that he was selected for a random drug test and passed, but was placed on unpaid medical leave in July. He was told by Butcher that his diabetes was affecting his job performance.
Meadows alleges his diabetes had no negative impact on his work performance and that he was unfairly and unlawfully targeted by his supervisors and company for termination because of the workers' compensation filing.
Meadows is seeking lost wages and benefits, front pay, emotional distress, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and costs, prejudgment interest on all amounts claimed and such further relief the court sees fit. Meadows is represented by Richard W. Walters of Shaffer & Shaffer in Charleston. This case is being heard by Circuit Judge Eric O'Briant.
Logan Circuit Court Case number 15-C-335