A Harris County woman is suing an automobile parts company for discrimination.
Manda Nelson filed a lawsuit against Genuine Automobile Parts, doing business as NAPA, on Aug. 3 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, citing discrimination and retaliation.
Nelson was hired by NAPA on April 20, 2007. She was injured in April 2014 and was put on light duty by one of NAPA’s physicians. She alleges that when she notified human resources of the injury and work requirements her claims were doubted.
In June 2014 Nelson took time off for a family member's surgery and claims when she returned she was retaliated against by being given work that contradicted her light work restrictions. She also claims she was treated differently than non-white employees on dress code and that her disability was ignored while non-white employees with disabilities were granted accommodations.
The lawsuit is asking that Nelson be paid economic damages, lost wages and benefits and attorney’s fees. Nelson is also seeking retaliation back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for future reputational injuries and loss of enjoyment of life. She is represented by Missouri City lawyer Debra V. Jennings.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case 4:15-cv-02231.