FAYETTEVILLE — A Smithers police officer is suing the city, alleging disability discrimination and wrongful termination.
Charles Burkhamer filed a complaint Jan. 10 in Fayette Circuit Court against the city of Smithers, alleging he was treated disparately based upon his illness and disability.
According to the complaint, Burkhamer, who suffers from colon cancer that required chemotherapy, was wrongfully terminated from his employment May 4, 2016. As a result, the suit says, he has suffered great emotional damage, loss of reputation, lost wages and annoyance.
The plaintiff alleges the city of Smithers failed to provide reasonable accommodations and refused to allow him to utilize the defendant's hospitalization/insurance plan to treat his life-threatening disease.
Burkahmer seeks trial by jury, judgment in excess of the jurisdictional limits of the court, costs of court and all other relief the case requires. He is represented by attorney Michael T. Clifford of Law Office of Michael T. Clifford in Charleston.
Fayette Circuit Court Case number 17-c-10