CHARLESTON — A woman is suing a local grocery chain after she suffered a workplace incident, which allegedly resulted in her being discriminated against and ultimately terminated.
Melinda Brooks filed a complaint on Dec. 3 in the Kanawha Circuit Court against Hoffman Grocery Inc. and Save-A-Lot alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act, discrimination and retaliation.
In August 2014 while Brooks was employed by Save-A-Lot, she broke her tibia and fibula. Because the injury happened while she was working, Brooks was eligible for worker's compensation.
When she returned to work following a long recovery period, which included surgery, her Save-A-Lot supervisors allegedly refused to make reasonable accommodations for her injuries. As a result, she allegedly was terminated because she could not produce her usual job duties.
Brooks is seeking compensation for lost wages, opportunities and benefits, as well as legal fees. She is represented by Lia DiTrapano of the DiTrapano Law Firm PC in Charleston. The case is being heard by Judge Louis Bloom.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 15-c-2144