Tangipahoa Parish building inspector sues after being fired for not having certification

A former Tangipahoa Parish building inspector has filed a lawsuit after losing his job for not being certified.

Claiming violations of his civil rights, Larry L. Dotey, Sr. filed suit against Tangipahoa Parish on Oct. 15 in federal court in New Orleans.

Dotey states that when he became an inspector he received a notice that in order to serve in the position he would have to meet certain requirements. However, he states the notice did not state he would be terminated if he did not become certified.

According to the lawsuit, Dotey received notification on Oct. 17, 2007 that stated he would be terminated in 30 days since he did not get his certification.

Dotey argues that since his tenure with the parish and the experience in that field, he should have been given another job opportunity in a different department instead of being terminated.

He claims the termination and other forms of harassment are in response to his filing a grievance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Dotey is seeking damages for emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, other nonpecuniary losses, back pay, interest, punitive damages, court costs and attorney's fees.

He is represented by New Orleans attorney James A. Gray, II. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10-cv-03650