Ex-employee sues Tyler health system on discrimination claim - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

According to Southeast Texas Record

TYLER (KYTX) - A hospital employee, who was restricted from lifting patients, has filed a lawsuit against her employer after she was terminated due to the restrictions.

Lisa Colston, of Tyler, filed suit against Trinity Mother Frances Health System on July 19 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.

Colston was employed as a CT technologist. In 2010, she suffered a dislocated shoulder which limited her ability to perform the essential functions of her job. She states that she was provided modified duty at the time which enabled her to continue her work.

She reinjured her shoulder in January 2011 and was allowed to return to work in February 2011 with restrictions. The restrictions provided that Colston could not transfer patients or lift patients. She was allowed to reposition patients on a bed with assistance.

According to the allegations, Colston's supervisor sent her home and said she could not work with those restrictions. Human Resources provided Colston with light duty jobs outside of the radiology department, but Colston could not work those jobs due to pain.

She was terminated in Aug. 31, because she had not been released to full duty for her CT technologist position.

The defendant is accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against Colston.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for back pay and lost wages, compensatory damages, attorney's fees and court costs.

Colston is represented by Tyler attorney William S. Hommel. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap is assigned to the case.