HOUSTON - In response to what she asserts is an "ongoing hostile and distressing" work environment at Goodman, Harris County resident Celeste Baptiste has filed a lawsuit.
Recent court documents filed Nov. 15 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas claim the defendant discriminated against Baptiste for suffering a herniated disc.
Goodman employs the plaintiff as a lease administrator, a position she has held since July 2011.
In late September 2012, Baptiste suffered "excruciating pain in her lower back" while exiting her vehicle in the company parking lot.
Her physicians subsequently placed her on leave from Sept. 26 to Nov. 14, 2012.
The suit explains that Baptiste experienced mistreatment upon her return, stating her superior made a thinly veiled threat in regards to her job.
It adds said superior denied Baptiste's request to work from home as well as assign her "the larger number and more difficult files."
Baptiste further asserts she was "being set up to fail" while the defendant was treating the woman under her tutelage more favorably.
"The harassment, bullying and hostility continues daily," the original petition says.
"Ms. Baptiste's health is suffering as a consequence."
A jury trial is requested.
Attorney Jacqueline A. Armstrong of Houston is representing the plaintiff.
Case No. 4:13-CV-3380
Woman accuses employer of discriminating against her for suffering herniated disc
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