NEW ORLEANS - A former LSU Health Science Center pre-doctoral coordinator has filed a disability discrimination lawsuit that claims she was terminated for no reason after she returned from medical leave.
Kristie Bellow filed suit against Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and Kim Edward LeBlanc on June 15 in federal court in New Orleans.
According to the lawsuit, Bellow suffered from a tumor growing on her face. The growth impaired her ability to concentrate, to breathe, and eventually, to see. She took eight weeks of approved medical, which she returned from on June 14, 2010. Three days later, she was provided a letter stating that her last day would be July 18, 2010.
She states that she was terminated for no stated reason.
The defendants are accused of failing and refusing to follow its own policy with respect to discipline, failing to notify Bellow that she was being considered for termination, and failing to give any meaningful reason for termination.
The defendants are accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Louisiana Disability Discrimination Act.
The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for loss of income or earning potential with benefits, liquidated and punitive damages, general damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, humiliation, reinstatement or front pay, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.
Bellow is represented by Dale E. Williams of Law Office of Dale Edward Williams in Covington. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-01529