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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Disabled woman alleges former employer violated federal law

Discrimination 19

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SHERMAN — A disabled woman is suing a Valley View business, alleging failure to uphold Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

Sherri D. Helm of Grayson County filed a lawsuit Aug. 19, in the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Alan Ritchey Inc., alleging violation of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

According to the complaint, on May 21, 2008, Helm was hired a truck driver by Alan Ritchey. Despite being disabled because of her knees, the defendant would not allow her to drive an automatic truck, the suit says. 

To be able to drive, the lawsuit states, Helm had double-knee replacement surgery Oct. 6, 2014, was released to return to work in February 2015 and attempted to drive a manual truck, which she could not. On Feb. 24, 2015, the suit states, the defendant terminated her and would not even let Helm continue her employment in the shop. 

The plaintiff alleges Alan Ritchey failed to accommodate her by not allowing her to drive an automatic truck, failed to accommodate her by not continuing her employment in the shop after her knee surgery and terminated her employment because of her disability.

Helm seeks trial by jury, compensation for all damages, plus attorney fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other relief. She is represented by attorney David B. Joeckel Jr. of The Joeckel Law Office in Fort Worth.

Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case number 4:16-cv-00625

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