RIPLEY — A Jackson County man is suing a timber removal company, alleging age and disability discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and wrongful termination.
Freddie Stevens Jr. filed a complaint in Jackson Circuit Court against Asplundh Tree Expert LLC, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 4, Stevens, who had worked for Asplundh for 15 years, was terminated from his employment after receiving numerous knee injuries while performing his job duties. Due to this, the suit says, Stevens has suffered and continues to suffer lost wages and benefits, indignity, humiliation, emotional distress and inconvenience.
The lawsuit states the defendant said Stevens was fired for destroying company property, which the plaintiff considers an excuse for the real reasons for dismissal.
The plaintiff alleges Asplundh Tree Expert terminated his employment due to his age and medical condition/disability requiring accommodation.
Stevens seeks trial by jury, all damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, court costs and all other just and equitable relief. He is represented by attorney Tammy Bowles Raines of Tammy Bowles Raines Law Office PLLC in Charleston, WV.
Jackson Circuit Court case number 18-C-56