Healthcare worker files disability lawsuit claiming termination result of using cane

LUFKIN - A healthcare worker has filed a disability discrimination lawsuit claiming she was fired for using a cane while working. 

Dorothy Fredregill filed suit against Lufkin State Supported Living Center on May 14 in the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division.

The plaintiff claims she was fired and otherwise discriminated against because she suffers from multiple sclerosis.

According to the lawsuit, Fredregill worked for the defendant for approximately 14 years in the position as a Mental Retardation Assistant II. In December 2011, Fredregill began suffering from symptoms of her illness and was off of work until approximately April 2012.

When she returned to work, it was necessary for her to use a cane. Fredregill states that about two months later her supervisor stated that she would not be allowed to continue doing her job with a cane.

The defendant is accused of allowing Fredregill reasonable accommodations for her disability and for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability or perceived disability.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for back pay, reinstatement, front pay, mental pain and anguish, emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment, attorney’s fees, court costs and interest.

Fredregill is represented by Alex A. Castetter of Stuckey, Garrigan & Castetter Law Offices in Nacogdoches. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 9:13-cv-00101