PHILADELPHIA — A former employee is suing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, a state agency, citing alleged disability discrimination, violation of workers' compensation acts, and wrongful termination.
Kim L. Matto filed a complaint on April 14 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services alleging that the state agency in Pennsylvania failed to supply the plaintiff with the work equipment her surgeon called for in relation to the plaintiffs' medical problems, which included carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and tenosynovitis. Her condition worsened and she experienced hostility, she claims, adding that she was forced to sign disability retirement paperwork to keep her medical benefits.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that, in August 2, 2013, she underwent surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrome. She was given clearance by the surgeon to work on the condition that she uses a split keyboard and ergonomic mouse, the suit says, adding that she was denied these and as a result, her condition worsened and required another surgery. The plaintiff holds Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services responsible because the defendant allegedly refused to give plaintiff the equipment that she needed and forced her to sign disability retirement paperwork for her to keep medical coverage.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks all pay and benefits, including but not limited to back pay, front pay, salary, pay increases, bonuses, medical and other benefits, training, promotions, pensions, and seniority; punitive damages; any and all other equitable and legal relief as the court deems just, proper and appropriate; and costs and expenses of this action and reasonable legal fees. She is represented by Zachary Zawarski of The Law Office of Zachary Zawarski in Bethlehem.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 5:16-cv-01801-LS