Latresa Washington has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging discrimination and retaliation due to her disability. The complaint was lodged in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on December 6, 2024, against The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. Washington claims that her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) were violated by her employer.
The case revolves around allegations that began when Washington was employed as a Business Office Coordinator by The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD starting in August 2018. She claims she faced harassment from her supervisor, JaQuece Haney, which included false patient complaints and unwarranted performance criticisms. This hostile work environment allegedly exacerbated Washington's stress levels, leading to severe anxiety attacks. In response to these health issues, Washington requested workplace accommodations such as closing her office door to reduce stress; however, these requests were denied by the defendant.
Washington’s physician recommended intermittent FMLA leave due to severe panic attacks from December 1, 2022, to December 1, 2023. Despite this medical advice and subsequent FMLA certification extensions into 2024, Washington alleges that she was placed on a performance improvement plan by Haney for trivial matters and eventually terminated on February 14, 2024. She argues that this termination was retaliatory following her exercise of FMLA rights.
In her lawsuit, Washington accuses The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD of disability discrimination under the ADA and retaliatory practices under the FMLA. She asserts that the discriminatory actions have caused ongoing damages including emotional distress and financial loss due to unemployment. As part of her legal relief sought from the court, Washington is requesting compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, punitive damages for intentional misconduct by the defendant, as well as coverage of attorney fees and other litigation costs.
The case is being handled by Chad E. Levy from Levy & Levy P.A., representing Latresa Washington in this matter. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2024-85210 in the District Court of Harris County with Judge Wanda Chambers presiding over proceedings.