CHARLESTON — A cancer patient is suing his former employers, alleging he was fired because of his illness.
Thomas Matthew Steele filed a lawsuit Sept. 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Green Metals Inc. and Rich Macomath, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.
According to the complaint, Steele was preparing to have a lymph node removed and was going through chemotherapy. The suit says he had complications from the surgery that required him to miss work.
The lawsuit states Steele was terminated when Macomath told him he needed someone "more reliable rather than a cancer patient who was always sick," Steele allege he was discriminated against due to his medical condition and was regarded as disabled. He also alleges he suffered indignity, embarrassment, humiliation and emotional distress.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to provide reasonable accommodations and terminated his employment due to his medical condition.
Steele seeks trial by jury, compensation for all damages, attorney fees, witness fees and court costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and all other relief. He is represented by attorney D. Adrian Hoosier of Lord Hoosier PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-c-1395