LSU and med center sued by former employee claiming wrongful termination

A hospital maintenance employee has filed a lawsuit alleging violations of his due process and equal protection rights after he was terminated for unexcused absences.

Anthony J. Woods filed suit against Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans, Walter Radosta, Michael Braud, Roxanne Townsend, Deborah Bartholomew, and Phillip Kennedy on Aug. 10 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, Woods had a family emergency, requested permission to leave and was given authorization to do so. However, Woods states on his way back to work he was arrested for a traffic violation. The following day, he states he contacted his employer to say he would be late because he had to retrieve his vehicle from storage.

Despite the notification, Woods says his employers took disciplinary action and terminated his employment for misconduct. Woods states previous similar incidents were used as a basis for his termination.

Woods claims that administrative personnel, legal, managerial and staff members participated in a "conspiracy to adversely affect his employment."

He says their actions violate hospital policies by taking adverse action against a state civil service employee.

Woods claims the defendants violated his due process and equal protection rights under the Fourteenth Amendment and claims he has suffered damage to his person and reputation.

He is representing himself.

Woods is asking the court for back pay, reinstatement, punitive damages, court costs, attorney fees, penalty and interest.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02609