TALLAHASSEE - Gulf Coast Lumber and Supply is accused of bullying and mocking a disabled employee, then retaliating against the employee when he tried to voice his concerns in an April 2 lawsuit.
According to documents filed in the Leon County Circuit Court, plaintiff Nathan Mitchell is a diabetic, visually impaired and hearing impaired. Mitchell says he disclosed his disabilities and how they impact his performance upon being hired by the defendant's Woodville location.
Mitchell accuses his supervisor at Gulf Coast Lumber of repeatedly mocking and bullying his disabilities, and attempting to prevent him from taking the frequent snack breaks needed due to his diabetic condition.
When Mitchell tried to report his supervisor's treatment to others at Gulf Coast Lumber, he was allegedly retaliated against through continued harassment and drastically reduced hours in his schedule. Ultimately, the plaintiff resigned since no efforts to remedy the bullying were made, the suit claims.
The defendant is charged with disability discrimination, failure to accommodate and retaliation. Mitchell is represented by Scott and Wallace LLP of Tallahassee.