Clay Dugas
Sedonia Keal has filed suit against her former employer, The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, claiming she was fired because she made a workers' compensation claim.
Keal's suit was filed with the Jefferson County District Court on Nov. 5.
According to the plaintiff's original petition, Keal was a Medical Center employee when on Feb. 13 she suffered an on-the-job injury requiring medical care and treatment.
"Thereafter, she made a claim against defendant's workers' compensation carrier for medical treatment and medical benefits," the suit said. "On July 5, 2007, defendant terminated plaintiff's employment."
In her suit, Keal alleges she was discriminated against and wrongfully discharged.
"Plaintiff contends that her dismissal was due to the compensation claim that she made, and that the filing of the workers' compensation claim was a substantial factor in the termination," the petition states.
She is suing for lost wages in the past; loss of wages in the future; loss of insurance coverage, vacation and other fringe benefits of employment, past and future; and mental anguish in the past and in the future.
"Additionally, plaintiff is entitled to recover punitive damages for the wrongful actions of defendants in an amount in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of this court," the suit said.
Keal is represented by attorney Clay Dugas.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, will preside over the case.
Case No. E180-710