WINFIELD — A man is suing Appalachian Power Company for wrongful termination and discrimination.
Appalachia Power Company is doing business as AEP Appalachian Power.
Nathan Ball was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Jeffrey Jackson was hired by AEP on July 1, 2019, as an operator and before that, he had worked at the John Amos Power Plant as a contractor between 2013 and 2019, according to a complaint filed in Putnam Circuit Court.
Jackson claims he completed all of his job duties in a satisfactory manner or above satisfactory manner and had not committed any dischargeable offenses.
The plaintiff suffers from hypoxia and for approximately six months prior to his termination, he was showing signs of medical distress and made several requests for accommodations relative to his disability, according to the suit.
Jackson claims his requests were refused or ignored and as a result, he sustained medical episodes during work shifts causing him symptoms of lightheadedness, shortness of breath, confusion, fatigue and feeling faint or fainting.
On Aug. 6, 2021, Jackson had a medical episode where working and fell, causing his arm to hit a breaker. He was then advised by his supervisor to seek medical treatment and was suspended for seven days, according to the suit.
Jackson claims he sent his medical diagnosis paperwork to the defendants, however, on Aug. 24, 2021, he was terminated from his employment.
The defendants discriminated against Jackson and wrongfully terminated his employment, according to the suit.
Jackson claims he suffers from permanent and substantial disabilities and the defendant had knowledge of those disabilities and treated him in a disparate manner.
The defendants violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act and caused Jackson damages and injuries, according to the suit.
Jackson is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is represented by Ambria Britton of Klie Law Firm in Buckhannon.
Putnam Circuit Court case number: 22-C-62