Stratford Worker Wins Job Back in Retaliation Verdict
Table of Contents
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
DeLeon’s injury began with a torn rotator cuff, which required surgery. He went through extensive therapy and worked toward recovery. His physician documented his progress and cleared him for different levels of work activity over the months that followed. By October 2019, DeLeon was cleared for full duty, yet the Town refused reinstatement and eventually dismissed him.
The greater injury, according to DeLeon, was the loss of his career, his reputation, his benefits, and his financial stability after thirteen years of service. He also described emotional distress caused by being cast aside when he was trying to return.
Damages
DeLeon sought reinstatement to his public works job, along with back wages, lost benefits, pension rights, and attorney’s fees. He also pursued damages for emotional distress and punitive damages under state law. The damages went beyond missed paychecks, extending to the loss of long-standing employment security, retirement benefits, and health insurance coverage.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Plaintiff’s Position
Luis DeLeon argued that the Town of Stratford retaliated against him because of his workers’ compensation claim. He emphasized that multiple medical professionals cleared him for light and then full duty, but the town consistently refused him. He noted that surveillance videos used against him showed no violation of medical restrictions and yet became the alleged justification for firing him. His counsel described the town’s actions as deliberate and unlawful, stressing the importance of protecting employees who file injury claims.
Defense Position
The Town of Stratford denied any wrongdoing. Through its answer, the town denied or questioned nearly every factual allegation, arguing that it followed proper workplace rules and that DeLeon’s firing was legitimate. The defense raised multiple special defenses, including failure to state a valid claim, statutory bars, and failure to mitigate damages. The town also suggested that prior proceedings, such as workers’ compensation matters, limited DeLeon’s ability to pursue this lawsuit.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Luis DeLeon
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): James R. Miron
Defendant(s): Town of Stratford
·Counsel for Defendant(s): Thomas Galvin Cotter
Expert for Defendant: James W. Depuy
Claims
DeLeon claimed retaliation and wrongful discharge under state law. His counsel argued that the law existed precisely to prevent towns and employers from punishing injured workers. He demanded reinstatement, back pay, restoration of benefits, attorney’s fees, and compensation for the damage done to DeLeon’s career and life.
Defense
The town countered that DeLeon’s complaint failed as a matter of law. They argued that Connecticut statutes and employment policies shielded the town from liability. They also stressed that DeLeon had not mitigated his damages and could not show he was entitled to reinstatement or compensation under the law.
Jury Verdict
On April 5, 2024, the jury ruled in favor of Luis DeLeon against the Town of Stratford. The jury found that he was entitled to reinstatement of his employment, back wages and benefits, and attorney’s fees. This decision confirmed that the Town unlawfully retaliated against DeLeon for exercising his rights under workers’ compensation law.
The verdict delivered both financial relief and professional vindication for DeLeon. It also sent a broader message to municipalities and employers: Connecticut law protects workers who seek medical care and file injury claims, and retaliation will not be tolerated.