Oil rig floorhand sues claiming he was terminated for reporting racial discrimination

TYLER - After being employed for only two months, an oil rig floorhand has filed a lawsuit claiming he was terminated for reporting racial comments.

Claiming violations of his civil rights, K. Dewayne Green filed suit against Patterson-UTI Drilling Co. on May 26 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

Green, an African-American, was hired by the defendant in early February 2010 as a floorhand on one of defendant's drilling rigs. Green states that from the beginning of his employment, he was subjected to insults and derogatory comments.

He also claims he was subjected to being written-up and disciplined, while white employees committing the same actions were not disciplined.

According to the lawsuit, he reported the discriminatory comments to his supervisor and to the human resources department.

The plaintiff was terminated from his position in April 2010.

The defendant is accused of unlawful employment practices and retaliation, including discriminatory treatment, hostile work environment, harassment and unlawful retaliation due to racial discrimination.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for loss of wages, pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Green is represented by Michael L. Scanes and Joel Shields of Scanes, Routh & James in Waco and Danny C. Walsh of Wash & Thomas in Waco. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the case.

Case No. 6:11-cv-00271