Employees that Took Family Medical Leave File Lawsuit against City Claiming Retaliation
Tennessee workers and workers all across the United States have emergencies and situations that come up with their health or the health of their family members. During these times, many workers request Family Medical Leave. Most of the time, these employees expect that when they return to work after their leave, they will still have their job and be able to get back to work. Unfortunately, sometimes, this is not always the case. If you or someone you care about took Family Medical Leave and then think you were discriminated against or fired unfairly, then you should contact a Tennessee employment and FMLA lawyer right away. They will review your case and work with you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
In this case, two employees and one former employee who were all related filed a federal lawsuit against city officials alleging that the officials retaliated against them for taking Family Medical Leave under Family Medical Leave Act. According to the lawsuit, city electric department employees Edward Poindexter and Bobby Poindexter, and Margaret D. Poindexter filed this lawsuit because they claim that they were overlooked for promotions to a crew leader position because they took family medical leave when their mother needed to have hip surgery on March 11, 2010. Also, according to the lawsuit, both brothers were qualified for the promotion.
The lawsuit goes on to claim that City Manager Bill Baker and City Clerk Dianna Davis criticized them in public and accused them of abusing the Family Medical Leave Act. The lawsuit is also alleging retaliation against Margaret D. Poindexter because the city clerk demoted her when and transferred her to another department, and then she experienced a hostile work environment. The lawsuit is seeking that her resignation should be considered a constructive discharge due to the working environment. It also seeks a jury trial for lost wages, bonus, employment benefits and attorney fees.
Cases like this one happen all too often around the country and right here to Tennessee workers. If you or someone you love feels that you have been discriminated against or fired after taking Family Medical Leave then you should contact one of our experienced and caring Tennessee FMLA and employment attorneys immediately. We will work with you and make sure you get the compensation that is rightfully yours for what you have been through.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss 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.
