Fired worker claims disability discrimination

A worker has sued his former employer, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination.

Michael Brown of Beckville filed a lawsuit Feb. 17 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Nabors Completion & Production Services Co. doing business as Nabors Well Services Co. of Longview and Tyler, alleging violation of disability law.

According to the complaint, Brown disclosed information about prescription medicine he was taking for weight loss to his employer April 9, 2013, with a letter from his doctor specifying that he was fit to work. An accident occurred while Brown was working on-site in Wyoming on June 27, 2013, the suit states, and, following standard procedure, he was given a drug test, the results of which showed the presence of amphetamine.

Although Brown had his doctor send a letter to the company supporting the reason for the results being due to his prescription medication, Nabors referred Brown to a substance abuse program and terminated him Aug. 9, 2013, according to the suit.

Brown was discriminated against in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and he has suffered lost wages, benefits and employment opportunities, the suit states.

Brown seeks compensation for pecuniary damages, anguish and loss of enjoyment of life, plus attorney fees and costs. He is represented by attorney William S. Hommel Jr. of Hommel Law Firm in Tyler.

Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number: 2:15-CV-00210