HUNTINGTON — A Wayne County truck driver is suing a Huntington business, alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Murrell A. Tarkington filed a complaint in Cabell Circuit Court against Stephens Pipe & Steel LLC, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on Dec. 22, 2017, Tarkington was injured on the job. Subsequently, the suit says, he filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits due to the injuries he received but was terminated from his employment March 23, 2018.
Tarkington says he has suffered lost wages and benefits, indignity embarrassment and humiliation. The plaintiff alleges Stephens Pipe & Steel refused to reinstate him to his former position and instead, unlawfully terminated his employment in retaliation for claiming workers' compensation benefits.
Tarkington seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, interest, attorney fees and court costs. He is represented by attorneys Rodney A. Smith and Jeffrey A. Foster of Bailess Smith PLLC in Charleston.
Cabell Circuit Court case number 18-C-455
