African-American claims representative sues for race and gender discrimination

SHERMAN - An African-American claims representative has filed a discrimination lawsuit against her employer that claims she was terminated based on her race and gender.

Katrina Baxter filed suit against Bristol West Insurance Services of Texas Inc., Bristol West Insurance Services Inc. of Florida, Farmers Group Inc. and Farmers Insurance Exchange on Nov. 14 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Baxter, an African-American female, was employed by the defendants as a litigation specialist claims representative for approximately six years before she was terminated in August.

According to the lawsuit, Baxter submitted a race discrimination complaint regarding company discrimination against a Mexican-American employee from the Longview office. Baxter claims that she was told that she would never be promoted and should just quit. She was placed on a discriminatory written warning on June 5 following protected Family and Medical Leave Act leave for shoulder surgery.

The defendant is accused of race discrimination in violation of the Civil Rights Act, the Texas Labor Code, and retaliation in violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act, disability discrimination and retaliation in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and sex discrimination in violation of the Civil Rights Act.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of compensatory damages for loss of earnings and benefits, physical injury, sickness, pain and suffering, mental pain and anguish, impairment of ability to enjoy life, loss of reputation and job opportunities, out of pocket expenses, punitive damages, court costs, attorney’s fees and interest.

Baxter is represented by Allen attorney Dan A. Atkerson.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00669