A Clintonville trucker is suing a trucking business, alleging he was terminated from his job because of his disability.
Richard Hedglin of Clintonville filed a lawsuit Aug. 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against John McDowell Trucking Company of Grove City, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the complaint, Hedglin began working for the defendant as a truck driver in March 2012. and he sustained a work-related injury in mid-November 2014 in which he fractured his right foot, leading him to develop blood clots in his right leg. He became unable to work and had to undergo medical treatment and physical therapy, the suit says.
Despite the defendant knowing Hedglin would not be released back to work until May 2015, the lawsuit says, Hedglin was told his position was eliminated and his employment was terminated Jan. 22.
Hedglin alleges the defendant terminated his employment because he regarded Hedglin as having a disability within the meaning of the ADA and was motivated to eliminate an employee with a long-term physical impairment. The plaintiff also alleges he was terminated in retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim.
Hedglin seeks back and front pay, compensation for lost fringe benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs. He is represented by attorneys Neal A. Sanders and Dirk D. Beuth of the Law Offices of Neal A. Sanders in Butler.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 1:15-cv-00217-BR.