Former pawn shop employees claims wrongful termination after workplace injury

GRETNA – A man who alleges he was wrongfully terminated from a local pawn shop after an on the work injury is suing.

Christopher Rose filed suit against JIMSCO Inc., Pelican Pawn & Jewelry and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 14.

Rose alleges that he was hired by JIMSCO as an assistant store manager at Pelican Pawn & Jewelry located at 3315 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson. The plaintiff claims that he was turning on a light at work when he suffered a severe shock and was not able to remove himself from the outlet. He claims he was exposed to an electric current for a significant length of time and sustained injuries. Rose asserts he went to Ochsner Medical Center for emergency treatment and was diagnosed as having been shocked and told not to work for two days.

The plaintiff alleges he reported the incident and made a workers’ compensation claim for benefits. Rose claims JIMSCO did not immediately complete a report on his injury as required by the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. The plaintiff asserts that although he returned to work he had to undergo costly medical rehabilitation after the incident and continued to suffer from pain.

Rose alleges JIMSCO reported to its workers’ compensation insurance carrier that there would be no claim, which disallowed him from receiving any benefits. In addition, when the plaintiff was able to return to work, JIMSCO allegedly did not allow him to return and wrongfully terminated him, thereby withholding wages and salary.

The defendant is accused of violation of state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish, embarrassment, humiliation, loss of reputation, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, civil penalties, expenses, cost of prosecution and attorney’s fees.

Rose is represented by attorney Brett E. Emanuel of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 735-556.