A Pittsburgh man has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, claiming he was terminated in retaliation for reporting a hostile work environment.
Kenneth Dugan filed a lawsuit Sept. 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against Banfield Pet Hospital, citing a hostile work environment and retaliation.
According to the complaint, Dugan was hired in February 2014 as a veterinary practice manager. The complaint states that Dugan asked Dr. Elizabeth Caruso to quit gossiping about hospital employees and reported her conduct to various supervisors. Dugan also claims he was subjected to various acts of work hostility, including rumors and unjustified discipline. He was terminated on Nov. 21, 2014, due to poor performance, despite getting positive performance reviews, the complaint states. Dugan claims he was terminated in retaliation for reporting the hostile work environment.
The plaintiff is demanding $25,000 in back wages, $41,000 in future wages, punitive damages, legal fees and costs of litigation. He is represented by Christi Wallace of Kraemer, Maes and Associates in Pittsburgh.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-CV-01266-NBF