Former Core Products employee claims discriminatory firing

A Navarro County professional is bringing a lawsuit against his employer for an alleged Americans with Disabilities Act violation in 2014.

Damon Cooper of Galveston filed against Core Products Co. Inc. of Canton, in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas May 19, claiming specific discriminatory termination in August 2014.

When Cooper’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2014, the plaintiff informed his employer and requested the option of working from home, according to the suit. The filing states that Cooper’s supervisor informed him on June 30, 2014, that doing so would not be an option due to security reasons but that they could work out an arrangement.

Following several appointments and procedures for his wife, the suit states that the plaintiff’s wife underwent a double mastectomy in early August. On Aug. 7, Cooper told his supervisor that she would need him to care for her until Aug. 18. The plaintiff was terminated the next day, according to court documents.

Citing other employees with similar circumstances of disability who were not discharged, along with mental anguish and injury to character and reputation, lost wages and earning capacity, the complaint alleges that the defendant fired the plaintiff on false pretexts.

Cooper requests general, special, compensatory and punitive damages: back and front pay; pre and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney William S. Hommel, Jr. of Hommel Law Firm in Tyler, Texas.

Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case 2:15-cv-00806-JRG-RSP