Disabled employee sues Houston TV station

A Harris County man sued a Houston television station and its owner corporation, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Gerald Caldwell of Houston filed a lawsuit Feb.3 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against KHOU-TV of Houston and Gannett Co. Inc., alleging wrongful termination.

According to the complaint, Caldwell was employed as a video editor by the television station for 18 years and was fired unlawfully just prior to surgery for a medical disability. Caldwell’s imminent surgery was intended to address a condition stemming from having had bone cancer as a child and involved reconstruction of his leg, the suit says.

The lawsuit states that shortly before his scheduled surgery, Caldwell was told his position had been eliminated due to restructuring and that no explanation was given.

He alleges violation of the ADA, disability discrimination, and violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Caldwell seeks actual and compensatory damages, lost pay, attorney fees, expenses and costs. He is represented by attorneys Katherine Butler and Paul Harris of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:15-CV-00308