Stratford Worker Wins Job Back in Retaliation Verdict

Case Background

Luis DeLeon, a long-time public works employee for the Town of Stratford, filed a lawsuit against his employer after he suffered a workplace injury and later lost his job. DeLeon had joined the town’s workforce in 2006 and worked steadily until March 2018, when he injured his right shoulder while performing his duties. Following surgery in January 2019, his treating physician repeatedly cleared him for light duty and eventually for unrestricted work. Despite these medical clearances, the Town refused to allow him back.

DeLeon claimed that Stratford used his injury and subsequent workers’ compensation claim as a reason to push him out. He argued that town officials relied on surveillance footage and administrative policies as a pretext to terminate him in November 2019. The town insisted it had followed workplace rules and employment policies properly, but DeLeon argued the actions amounted to retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Cause

The dispute centered on allegations of wrongful termination in violation of Section 31-290a of the Connecticut General Statutes, which protects employees from being fired or discriminated against for exercising rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act. DeLeon claimed the town ignored his doctor’s notes, exaggerated the significance of surveillance videos, and unfairly denied him opportunities to return to work.

Injury