WILLIAMSON — A former security guard is suing a coal business, alleging wrongful termination in retaliation for seeking workers compensation leave.
Ronnie Jordan of Wharncliffe filed the complaint in Mingo Circuit Court against DFM Coal, LLC and Gregory Blairalleging that they violated the Worker's Compensation Discriminatory Practices Act and West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on June 21, 2016, Jordan was injured while working as a security guard at the defendant's coal mine in Wharncliffe. The suit says he promptly filed for workers compensation benefits.
The suit says he was denied his compensation claim and he protested to the Office of Judges where a hearing was held in January. After the workers compensation claim was held compensable during the hearing, the lawsuit states, Jordan was terminated Feb. 23. As a result, Jordan says he has he suffered lost wages, benefits and humiliation.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to give employees their right to a medical leave, failed to provide a safe working environment to avoid injuries and failed to provide legal reason before terminating an employee.
Jordan seeks trial by jury, lost wages, benefits, back pay, front pay, all damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, court costs and all equitable relief. He is represented by attorney Steve S. Wolfe of Wolfe, White and Associates in Logan.
Mingo Circuit Court Case number 17-C-60