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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Maryville Manor worker claims she lost her job because of skin color

Cates

A woman has filed suit against her employer, alleging she lost her job because of her skin color.

Adrienne Smith, who is black, claims she was working as an L.P.N. for defendant Maryville Manor in Maryville when she sustained injuries while at work on Oct. 30, 2009.

Because of her injuries, Smith was placed on temporary total disability, which prevented her from working for an extended period of time, according to the complaint filed Jan. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Finally, in January 2010, Smith was allowed to return to work, but with some restrictions on activities she could perform, the suit states. However, Maryville Manor refused to make accommodations to allow her to return to her job, the complaint says.

Smith's boss told her that the company thought she had quit, which was why it was refusing to schedule her. However, Smith contends the statement was false because she had requested a work schedule and had been told she would receive one prior to returning to her job, according to the complaint.

Instead, Smith was fired because of her skin color, the suit states.

Because of the loss of her job, Smith suffered mental anguish, stress and humiliation, the complaint says. She also claims she lost wages and her enjoyment of life.

In her four-count complaint, Smith is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs and attorney's fees.

David Cates of The Cates Law Firm in Swansea will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-82.

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