ORLANDO — A former employee is suing a Florida freight line business, alleging failure to uphold Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA).
Henry Artola filed a complaint Dec. 20 in Orange County Circuit Court against SAIA Motor Freight Line LLC alleging the defendant violated state and federal laws.
According to the complaint, Artola had worked for SAIA from June 30, 2006, until he was terminated May 20, 2014, earning about $1,200 per week. The suit says Artola has lost and will continue to lose wages and benefits and suffered mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and other pecuniary losses.
The lawsuit alleges discrimination devised by the defendant in retaliation for Artola's attempt to file a valid claim for benefits under the worker's compensation law after he injured his back.
The plaintiff alleges SAIA Motor Freight Line committed acts in reckless disregard for Artola's protected rights, and terminated him without any other justification or cause.
Artola seeks trial by jury, back pay and benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, litigation expenses, costs of action, and all further relief the court deems just. He is represented by attorney Nicolette E. Tsambis of Smith, Feddeler & Smith PA in Lakeland.
Orange County Circuit Court case number 17-CA-11035