HOUSTON — A worker alleges he was fired for taking sick leave after suffering a heart attack.
Jose Lopez filed a complaint Sept. 24 in Harris County District Court against Service Corporation International alleging violation of the Texas Labor Code.
Lopez was hired by Service Corporation International in November of 2008, according to his complaint. He claims he carried out his job duties in an "exemplary manner," received numerous sales awards and was not aware of any issues with his job performance.
Lopez further claims he suffered a heart attack on Sept. 13, 2020, and that he was afraid to take sick leave because he had been previously terminated by Service Corporation International for taking leave in order to care for his sick daughter in April of 2007 through October of 2009. He alleges he finally had to take leave due to his poor health and cardiac rehab and when he returned in January of 2021, he was terminated without any warning or explanation.
Lopez seeks monetary relief between $500,000 and $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Benjamin Foster of Benjamin Foster PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-62006