A 72-year-old Louisiana man is accusing a contractor of age and disability discrimination.
Kent Langley filed his lawsuit in federal court against Madden Contracting Company, which is based in Sibley.
According to the complaint, Langley was hired by Madden on December 2, 2020, as Senior Quality Assurance Manager. He says he worked at a desk, and none of his duties required him to lift, bend or climb.
Around Thanksgiving 2021, Langley says he tripped on some porch steps while at his hunting camp near Montpelier and fractured a vertebra. After surgery, he says he could not lift significant weight, fully bend his body or easily climb because of his injuries, but he was able to work.
When he required a second back surgery in late 2022, Langley says he took two weeks of approved medical leave. But when he came back to work in January 2023. Langley says he continued to suffer the same impairments.
On January 30, 2023, Langley says he met with David Madden, who said the company was going to “retire” Langley effective immediately.
"Madden suggested Langley was too old and, because of his age and impairments, the company was worried he would trip at work and hurt himself again," the complaint states. "Langley protested and said he was healthy and posed no safety risk at work. Langley offered to sign a waiver or indemnity agreement indemnifying Madden if he injured himself at work. David Madden said the company’s lawyers wouldn’t agree to that arrangement."
The complaint says Madden agreed to pay Langley $500 per week through the end of December 2023.
"It was objectively clear by the context of the conversation that Madden offered to pay Langley this money because the company was breaching its employment agreement with him without cause," the complaint states. "Madden fired Langley effective February 3, 2023."
Langley says he was fired because of his age and disability, violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
He seeks compensatory damages and other relief.