By On behalf of The Law Offices of Roderick V. Hannah, Esq., P.A.
A 34-year-old Florida man is claiming he was wrongfully terminated when he was fired from Monroe Fire Rescue in 2012. The man alleges he was the victim of racial discrimination, which ultimately led to his employment being terminated. The man is Hispanic and was born in Venezuela.
Lawsuit documents allege coworkers and supervisors at the man’s workplace used derogatory words to describe his race. These insults occurred throughout the three-year period of the man’s employment, according to official documents. Authorities with the department, however, argue that the man was fired because he could not maintain a valid driver’s license. The employee was reportedly driving emergency vehicles without a valid license for about six months.
The suit further alleges the man was intimidated by his white superiors, especially after an incident in April 2012 that triggered the fallout that ultimately cost him his job. The man was accused of drug abuse and forced to endure a mandatory test, which he passed. He was also the subject of false insubordination claims, according to suit documents.
Officials say the man’s employment was formally terminated after a June 2012 hearing. The man’s attorneys say the board was quick to fire his client because they were all Caucasian. In fact, every person who was making major decisions in the case happened to be white.
The man is seeking financial compensation for back pay, benefits and attorneys’ fees. He is also looking to be reinstated as a firefighter at the department. Additional monetary damages are being sought for mental anguish, including humiliation, emotional distress and injury to reputation, among others.
If you suspect you are the victim of racial discrimination in the workplace, consider seeking the assistance of a qualified employment attorney. These professionals can help you learn more about your workplace and legal rights, perhaps even obtaining compensation for your emotional trials. You do not have to suffer through workplace harassment alone. Contact an employment attorney today.
Source: www.keysnet.com, “Firefighter sues county for racial discrimination” David Goodhue, Jun. 06, 2013
Source: http://www.rhannahlaw.com/blog/2013/06/firefighter-alleges-wrongful-termination.shtml