Woman claims wrongful termination in suit against Sam's Club



GALVESTON - Claiming she was fired from Sam's Club because she filed a harassment complaint against a male co-worker, a La Marque woman has filed a $75,000 lawsuit against her former employer.

Patricia Stevenson argues that during early 2008 she was a target of abuse from co-worker Domanick DeCuir, who "would cuss at, belittle, and constantly pick on" her, the original petition, filed July 6 and amended Aug. 16 in Galveston County District Court, says.

Stevenson was employed by Sam's Club as an overnight stocker at the Texas City store from April 2000 to July 2008, when the plaintiff's dismissal reportedly occurred.

According to court papers, DeCuir did not treat any of the male employees in the manner that he treated the plaintiff.

Stevenson says the reason why her co-worker, who is not a defendant in the case, mistreated her is unknown to her though she believes it has to do with her gender.

The plaintiff subsequently reported DeCuir's alleged wrongdoing to her supervisor. No action was taken to remedy the situation, the suit says.

Stevenson insists DeCuir stepped up the abuse as time progressed. Her manager instructed her to ignore DeCuir "in the meantime."

The plaintiff recounts a July 6, 2008, incident in which DeCuir violently threatened her and followed her outside of the store at the end of her shift.

Stevenson informed Sam Club's corporate offices about the event, but was told her manager would be the one to conduct the investigation. However, the manager was upset that the plaintiff "went over his head to directly complain about DeCuir" and fired her, the suit says.

Stevenson ultimately believes her manager gave the men she worked with preferential treatment despite her own positive work record and their numerous infractions.

A jury trial has been requested in addition to the specified monetary damages.

The Davis Law Firm is representing Stevenson, and Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox is presiding over the case.

Case No. 10-cv-1829