CHARLESTON – A man alleges he was terminated by his employer in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation report.
Brent Runyon filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against David Van Meter and GMS Mine Repair & Maintenance Inc. alleging that they violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act and other counts.
According to the complaint, Runyon was injured on the job on Feb. 25. He alleges Van Meter tried to force him to falsify the accident report and alleges he was terminated because of his filing a workers' compensation claim and refusing to falsify the report.
The plaintiff holds Van Meter and GMS Mine Repair & Maintenance Inc. responsible because the defendants allegedly terminated his employment due to his perceived disability and in retaliation. The plaintiff alleges that as a result of his termination, he has suffered emotional distress, indignity, humiliation, embarrassment, lost wages and benefits in an amount to be determined at trial.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation for all damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees, costs and all other equitable relief. He is represented by D. Adrian Hoosier II and Erica Lord of Lord Hoosier PLLC in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-c-1724