Dale Saunders was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Michael Manns was employed by Red Roof Inns from May 2015 until March 8 as a nighttime auditor, according to a complaint filed Sept. 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court
Manns claims he was required to work eight-hour night shifts by himself and that as a diabetic, he had previously informed the defendants of his need for a short break to obtain food to eat when his blood sugar became low.
On March 1, at approximately 2 a.m., Manns blood sugar became low and since no customers needed his attention at that time and he did not have any food with him, he put up a sign made by the defendant that said he would return shortly and he went to a fast food restaurant across the street to order food, according to the suit.
Manns claims he was gone for approximately 10 minutes and when he returned, a new customer had arrived to be checked into the motel and he promptly checked the customer in.
Later that morning, the customer made a complaint with Saunders and, then Saunders later informed Manns that his employment was terminated, according to the suit.
Manns claims the defendants violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by discriminating against him based on his disability.
Manns is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Phillip Estep, Toss S. Bailess and Rodney A. Smith of Bailess Smith PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 16-C-1504
