WHEELING – A former employee is suing Cabela’s after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated due to discrimination.
Kathleen Francis was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Eric Foltin was employed by Cabela’s from September until March 25, according to a complaint filed May 20 in Ohio Circuit Court.
Foltin claims he was operating a fork lift on March 18, when he sustained a workplace injury to his finger, including a displaced fracture of the finger that resulted in the amputation of his left little finger.
The plaintiff immediately reported the workplace injury to his employer and sought immediate medical attention. He also formally filed a workers’ compensation claim on April 4, according to the suit.
Foltin claims while he was still off work as a result of the workers’ compensation compensable injury, Francis called him and told him that “due to the severity of the accident” the company wanted to part ways with the plaintiff and he was advised his employment was terminated.
Cabela’s discriminated against Foltin for his injury and for receiving workers’ compensation benefits, which violates the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
Foltin is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by Patrick S. Cassidy of Cassidy, Cogan, Shapell & Voegelin LC.
Ohio Circuit Court case number: 16-C-153