HOUSTON — A former paramedic alleges her job was filled while she was on leave due to pregnancy complications and that she was fired for not taking a different position/shift.
Maria Jochims filed a complaint Dec. 12 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital alleging violation of the Sex Discrimination and The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, disability discrimination and violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Jochims was employed as a EMT paramedic at Houston Methodist Sugar Land from Nov. 18, 2013-April 24, 2017. After being hospitalized for a second time in October 2016 due to pregnancy complications, the suit states Jochims took leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and was approved for a medial leave of absence.
The plaintiff alleges that during her leave her position was filled and that she was told there was only a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift available for her. She alleges she was fired April 24, 2017, because she did not find a new position with the hospital within its 30-day requirement.
Jochims seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Ronald Dupree of The Dupree Law Firm PLLC in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 4:19-CV-04838