Arruebarrena
After losing his job for mishandling his time records, a stroke victim has filed a lawsuit against his employer for discriminating against him based on his disability.
James T. Jones Sr. filed suit against Williams WPC-I Inc. on Nov. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.
Jones began working for the defendant in May 2002 as an operations technician.
In 2009, Jones suffered a stroke and a brain aneurism affecting the right side of his body. He was on medical leave for less than three months.
He states that following the stroke he was able to fully perform the essential functions of his job, but when he became tired, he walked with a limp and the stroke made his speech "somewhat halting at times."
According to the complaint, Jones' supervisor had a discriminatory attitude against older workers and wanted to get rid of "older guys."
The supervisor is accused of embarking upon age discrimination and disability discrimination and improperly handling a dispute involving Jones and a co-worker.
In reference to handling his time records, Jones was terminated for allegedly stealing company assets and for a lack of commitment to Williams' core values and beliefs.
Williams is accused of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by terminating Jones and subjecting Jones to harassment based on his age and disability, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law.
The plaintiff is the Court to issue a permanent injunction to prevent the defendant from further unlawful practices and for an award of back pay, interest, bonuses, pension, lost benefits, front pay, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of reputation, embarrassment and humiliation, punitive damages, costs and attorney's fees.
Jones is represented by New Orleans attorneys James L. Arruebarrena and Rachel Martin-Deckelmann. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-02947