Safety inspector files age discrimination lawsuit against former employer

After 44 years of employment, a marine fire and safety inspector has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against his former employer after he was terminated.

Robin L. Rivers filed suit against The Hiller Companies Inc. & Herbert S. Hiller Corp. on Dec. 2 in federal court in New Orleans.

Rivers was terminated on Oct. 4, 2010, the suit says.

According to the complaint, Rivers was placed on a three-day suspension and when he returned, he was informed that another employee would accompany him on the job. Rivers' supervisor said it was necessary due to Rivers' health and age.

The defendant is accused of willful and intentional age discrimination in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for back pay, front pay, liquated double damages, loss of income and employment benefits, mental anguish, compensatory damages, attorney's fees and court costs.

Rivers is represented by New Orleans attorney William M. McGoey.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02962