Dental assistant sues dental practice for sexual harassment

After losing her job, a dental assistant has filed a lawsuit against her former employer claiming that her termination was really because she complained about sexual harassment.

Belva Linscomb filed suit against Thomas John Kennedy of Texas DDS, doing business as Dentures and Dental Services, on May 1 in the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

Linscomb began working as a dental assistant for the defendant in September 2009. She alleges that throughout her employment she endured sexually harassing comments by the male office manager and dentist. She also claims female employees were frequently slapped on the buttocks.

Linscomb claims she reported the harassing comments to their area supervisor but nothing was done about her complaint. After she complained the second time, she was fired, according to the suit.

The defendant is accused of unlawful retaliation against Linscomb because she opposed the sexual harassment.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for back pay and front pay, including all employment benefits, compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, exemplary damages, attorney's fees and court costs.

Linscomb is represented by Kenneth W. Lewis and Stephen L. Townsend of Bush Lewis PLLC in Beaumont.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:12-cv-00207