Employee Files Lawsuit against Oak Park after Claiming Harassment over Sexual Orientation
In Tennessee as well as across the country, when we apply for a job or work at a job we expect to be treated with respect and dignity by our managers, bosses, and even our co-workers no matter what our differences may be, because we are all supposed to be treated as equal employees with the same rights and privileges as any other employee at our workplace. However all too often, many employees are harassed, bullied, and given different amounts of pay for the same work depending on their gender, race, sexual orientation or any other status. If this has happened to you at your work, you should speak to a Tennessee employment lawyer right away. This kind of treatment is illegal and your lawyer will help make sure you get the compensation and treatment you are entitled to by law.
In this case, an Oak Park municipal employee, Michael Aguayo, who is gay, claims that he received unfounded write-ups and reprimands as well as being demoted and eventually fired when several employees found out about his sexual orientation in November of 2007. The lawsuit also claims that Michael was the victim of verbal abuse which created an unfavorable work environment for which he sought medical treatment.
Aguayo’s attorney, Maurice Dusky said that he was terminated because a Family Medical Leave Act dispute and then reinstated. Currently, Aguayo is employed by Oak Park. Oak Park’s village manager, Tom Barwin denied Aguayo’s claim that he was terminated from his role in the public works department. Adam Rosen said the union, Service Employees International Union Local 73 represented Aguayo in the FMLA dispute which involving him taking funeral leave for the death of his partner’s mother. Rosen stated that he was fired on February 10th and then reinstated after the union representatives met with the village about the dispute.
Harassment cases happen in the workplace each and every day all across the country, including here in Tennessee. If you feel that you or a loved one has suffered from harassment at your workplace, then we strongly advise you to contact one of our knowledgeable and compassionate Tennessee employment attorneys immediately. We care about you and your case and will work with you to see that you get the compensation you deserve for what you have been through. Feel free to contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your case and your legal options
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
