MONROE - Paul D. Crockett filed a federal lawsuit on Jan. 6 in the Western District of Louisiana against the State of Louisiana, through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, for alleged age discrimination.
According to the lawsuit, Crockett passed the certification test to become licensed to spray restricted herbicide chemicals. In September 2020, he became eligible to apply for the roadside development herbicide applicator for the Bastrop unit, to which Crockett was promoted in November 2020.
The same month, Crockett filed an internal complaint with HR regarding harassment from a co-worker that resulted in a hostile work environment, the suit says. On Dec.18, 2020, Crockett sustained an injury while on the job that resulted in him being seen in an emergency room, the suit says. Crockett later filed a workers' compensation claim and was put on leave in late January 2021 until June 5, 2021, the suit says.
In May 2021, Defendant released Crockett from his employment effective his return date. Crockett claims his termination was based on his physical disability and age or the company's perception of him as disabled and/or old.
Crockett is represented by James L. Carroll of Columbia.
Monroe District Court case number 3:22-cv-00047-TAD-KDM