Court Dismisses Wrongful Termination Claim, Awards Employer $2,197

A former bulk driver was involved in a truck accident on August 22, 2018, while employed by Airgas USA LLC. Following the accident, the driver filed a complaint against the employer, alleging improper termination. The plaintiff claimed the termination was connected to unspecified complaints made to the company.

Airgas USA LLC, the defendant, argued that the termination was for a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason. The employer contended that the plaintiff failed to establish a causal connection between any complaints and the termination, or to show that the stated reason for termination was a pretext. On June 4, 2021, the court granted summary judgment for the employer, finding the plaintiff did not demonstrate a causal link or that the termination reason was pretextual, concluding there was no federal law violation. On July 6, 2021, the court awarded attorneys' fees and costs totaling $2,197 to the employer.