Suit: Brenham woman faced harassment, termination over FMLA rights

GALVESTON - A Washington County woman has filed suit against the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services after it allegedly terminated her for exercising her rights under the Family Medical Leave Act. 

A lawsuit filed Jan. 25 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas claims the agency subjected Brenham resident Tammy Bryant to "constant" harassment after she returned from caring for her husband prior.

The agency hired Bryant in May 2008, and two years later, promoted her to residence director, the position she held at the time of the subject events.

Shortly after her promotion, the plaintiff took FMLA leave for about a month to look after her spouse "who almost died."

Bryant explains that her supervisor contacted her "on numerous occasions regarding work issues," adding "it was as if she could not do anything right" upon her return.

The suit shows the defendant disciplined Bryant for purported violations and reassigned her.

Bryant's health took a bad turn because of the company's actions and her physician placed her on a two-month medical leave, the original petition says.

She asserts the defendant accused her of falsifying government documents as well as sent an investigator to her residence, which caused her stress to increase and her doctor to extend her leave.

DADS wrote Bryant up one last time before dismissing her.

Consequently, she seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

Attorney David J. Manley of Houston is representing the plaintiff.

Case No. 4:13-CV-187