CHARLESTON — A surgical assistant is suing Kanawha County health care providers, alleging disability discrimination and wrongful termination.
Latrisha L. Weems of Kanawha County filed a lawsuit Aug. 29 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Drs. Allen, Drajekian, Brock & Hunsaker Inc., doing business as Mountain State Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, in early spring of 2016, Wems was diagnosed with anxiety and major depressive disorder. As a result of her medications, the suit says, her doctor placed Weems on travel restrictions.
Despite her condition, the lawsuit states, the defendant ordered Weems to drive to Beckley where she passed out. The defendant's actions, Weems alleges, caused her to suffer lost wages and benefits, emotional distress and loss of dignity. The suit says Weems was terminated May 4 because of her disability.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant unlawfully discriminated against her and, instead of trying to find a reasonable accommodations, Mountain State terminated her employment.
Weems seeks trial by jury, judgment for compensatory damages, attorney fees and court costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and all other relief. She is represented by attorney Richard W. Walters of Shaffer & Shaffer PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16--c-1325
