CHARLESTON – A social worker alleges he was terminated by the Department of Health and Human Services because of his medical condition.
James Hines filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against Department of Health and Human Services alleging unlawful retaliation, hostile work environment and malicious prosecution.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was hired in May 2012 by the defendant as a social worker. The suit states he had a stroke in August 2015. He was terminated in May 2017 and he alleges the termination was because of his medical condition.
The plaintiff holds Department of Health and Human Services responsible because the defendant allegedly retaliated against plaintiff for seeking reasonable accommodation and terminated plaintiff's employment in violation of his human rights.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant for award of all damages, front pay, attorney's fees, costs, and other relief as the court may deem just. He is represented by Anthony M. Salvatore of Hewitt & Salvatore PLLC in Fayetteville.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 18-C-699