A Houston woman is suing her former employer for wrongful termination following her diagnosis of a serious illness.
Andrea Guy-Halat filed a lawsuit against the city of Missouri City on July 30 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas for a hostile work environment and unlawful termination.
According to the lawsuit, Guy-Halat was employed as a Media Relations Specialist with the city of Missouri City beginning in November 2006. In June 2013 she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Her supervisor was made aware of her condition and all of the relevant details.
In July 2013 Guy-Halat requested medical leave for a surgery related to the kidney failure. She was advised by her supervisor to contact Human Resources, as it would fall under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The day after she inquired with Human Resources about FMLA her employment was terminated.
There were no formal wrote-ups leading to the termination. She was not notified of any performance issues prior to this day, the suit states.
Guy-Halat is seeking an order to reinstate her to a comparable job position based on her qualifications, or to be paid front pay if that is not feasible. She is also seeking compensatory/mental anguish damages, exemplary damages, back pay, fringe benefits, pre and post-judgment interest, attorney fees and liquidated damages.
She is represented by attorney Ashok Bail of Houston.
Case 4:15-cv-02196