SCRANTON — A former Lackawanna Prison System worker alleges he was denied FMLA leave and suffered retaliation over a workers' compensation claim.
Gregory Williams filed a complaint March 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Lackawanna County, Krista Purvis, Tim Betti, Justin McGregor, Richard Jones and Keri Savage, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act.
According to his complaint, Williams began working for the Lackawanna Prison System in May of 2017 and worked as a corrections officer and then as a correctional counselor. He claims he suffered from "long-term and permanent" health issues including injuries from a work-related fall that took place in January of 2019.
Williams alleges that in late 2020, he filed a workers' compensation legal claim and then began to suffer retaliation from the defendants. He further alleges he suffered from animosity, hostility, was overly scrutinized and that the defendants "admonished" him for taking time off for his medical needs.
Williams claims he was denied FMLA leave and that the defendants failed to follow FMLA regulations including showing "outrage" over his having to leave work and attend medical appointments. He further claims he was threatened with termination unless he signed a settlement waving his rights of legal claims and entitlements for workers' compensation.
Williams seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other other just relief. He is represented by Ari Karpf of Karpf Karpf Cerutti PC in Bensalem.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania case number 3:22-CV-0048-JFS