Employee with apnea sues after being fired for sleeping on the job

SHERMAN - An employee with a newly diagnosed sleep disorder has filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against her employer after she was terminated for sleeping on the job.

Shanna Cloudt filed suit against Grayson Central Appraisal District on June 9 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Cloudt was hired by the Grayson Central Appraisal District in March 2009 and was terminated from her position in June 2010.

Approximately five months into her employment with the defendant, Cloudt states she was struggling with staying awake during the day and was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea and hypersomnia.

In May 2010, Cloudt was accused of sleeping on the job, and was shown pictures which allegedly showed she was sleeping. She states she was shown three pictures, one in which she was blowing her nose, one in which she was texting on her cell phone and one in which she was typing.

Due to her previous diagnosis, Cloudt states she was terminated in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for lost income and benefits, mental anguish, punitive damages, attorney's fees, court cost and interest.

Cloudt is represented by Sherman attorney Ronald R. Huff. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 4:11-cv-00335