GALVESTON — A man is suing his former employer alleging his rights granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were violated and that we was wrongfully terminated after taking time off from work due to a medical condition.
James Wedergren filed a complaint on Jan. 5 in the Galveston County District Court against The Travelers Indemnity Company alleging violation of the ADA.
According to the claim, Wedergren was employed by the defendant as an Outside Property Claim Representative. The plaintiff allegedly suffers from post traumatic arthritis, which causes pain in his knee and requires regular treatment. The suit states that in April 2014, the plaintiff was put on permanent physical restrictions, requiring accommodations in the workplace. Although the defendant initially worked with the plaintiff's requirements, the suit states that after a period of six weeks, he was informed that he would not be accommodated any longer. Instead, he was allegedly told to look for another position in the company and to utilize his Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) time, the lawsuit says. While on approved FMLA, the defendant claims he was wrongfully discharged him for his absence.
Wedergren seeks damages for loss of earnings and benefits, career and work opportunity, emotional distress and legal fees. He is represented by Lionel Martin and Melissa Garcia-Martin of Garcia-Martin & Martin PC in Sugar Land.
Galveston County District Court Case number 3:16-cv-00001