HOUSTON — A former Texas Southern University police officer who suffered a concussion during an altercation with a student is claiming he faced discrimination and retaliation over his worker's compensation claim.
James Williams filed a complaint Oct. 5 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Texas Southern University alleging retaliation and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Texas Labor Code.
According to the complaint, Williams worked as a police officer for Texas Southern University (TSU) from April 1, 2005, until Dec. 17, 2018. He alleges that on Oct. 13, 2017, while providing security at a concert at the TSU campus, he had an encounter with a student who assaulted him.
Williams claims as he attempted to restrain the student who was "extremely aggressive," he lost his balance and hit his head on the corner of a door and suffered "several contusions and a concussion." Williams states in his complaint he required treatment from a neurologist as well as treatment for spine injuries and that he was placed on worker's compensation.
Williams alleges that as a result of his injuries and worker's compensation claim, he suffered "consistent hostility" from his superiors regarding the "extend of his condition." Specifically, Williams alleges his supervisors discussed his medical treatment in violation of his HIPPA rights and also denied him a reasonable accommodation for his injuries. He alleges he was fired in retaliation on Dec. 17, 2018.
Williams seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Ronald Dupree of The Dupree Law Firm PLLC in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 4:20-CV-03435