ST. LOUIS — A former employee is suing the owners and operators of an automotive business for alleged wrongful termination.
Lyndle Latham filed a complaint on July 17 in the St. Louis City Circuit Court against Edward Troutman; Barreth Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram; Schicker Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram of Washington; and others, alleging that the defendants fired him for requesting safety equipment.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he sent a letter to his manager on Nov. 18, 2016 in which he requested a mechanical lifting device to assist him and other employees in unloading engines and equipment.
He was then allegedly confronted by Troutman and terminated for reportedly requesting safety equipment as required by Missouri law. The plaintiff later requested a letter of dismissal but failed to receive it within the 45-day time period. Latham claims that his reputation was damaged and that he lost wages and benefits.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible for allegedly firing him for expressing a public policy concern to protect his co-workers, and for failing to provide the service letter as required under the Missouri law.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for actual damages in the minimum sum of $25,000 for punitive damages, violation of his rights and for such other and further relief as the court deems just. He is represented by James M. Martin of Martin, Malec & Leopold PC in St. Louis.
St. Louis City Circuit Court case number 1722-CC10786