Gas station manager claims race and gender discrimination

A Gretna gas station manager is suing his employer for racial discrimination after he was terminated from his position.

Arguing violations of his civil rights, Robert McNeal filed suit against Race Trac Petroleum Inc. on March 15 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, McNeal was injured on March 15, 2010, when he tripped over a box in a freezer while stocking shelves. He states his pain progressed and in a couple of days later he went to see his physician. He presented a doctor's note to his co-manager afterwards, the suit claims.

Shortly thereafter, McNeal was terminated from his position as a manager of the Race Trac on Lafayette Street in Gretna. McNeal argues the termination was due to his race and gender.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for conscious pain and suffering, physical injury, mental distress, humiliation, emotional distress, loss of income and employment, loss of benefits, loss of wages, loss of anticipated wages, loss of promotion, defamation, attorney's fees, costs and interest.

McNeal is represented by Gonzales attorney Jean-Paul Robert.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00594