Rostraver civil suit settled for $200,000
ROSTRAVER TWP. — A lawsuit filed against Rostraver Township by a former employee was settled for $200,000, with the agreement that she hold the township harmless for future lawsuits.
Nora R. Sheffield had alleged that township officials refused to make reasonable accommodations for her medical conditions which include Sjogren’s Syndrome, Raynaud’s Disease and Lupus.
Under the settlement, the township will pay Sheffield $28,890, with applicable deductions, to settle her dispute for lost wages.
Sheffield will also receive $87,000 to settle her claim for non-wage loss damages. In addition, the township will pay Sheffield’s attorneys, Johnston Lykos LLC, $84,110 for fees and costs.
No other payment will be made under the settlement agreement and Sheffield gives up her right to file future claims. As part of the agreement Sheffield also agreed not to seek future employment with the township or say anything disparaging about the township regarding her past employment. The township agreed to provide recommendations to future employers as specified in a letter of recommendation prepared as part of the settlement.
Sheffield was employed by the township as its finance director between December 2012 and November 2014. She filed suit against the township in 2015, alleging that although the township had a resolution providing paid sick leave, she was only paid for her time off for medical appointments after filing suit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The sick leave resolution was later repealed.
According to the suit filed by Sheffield, she had asked for adequate heat for her office and the ability to work from home, neither of which were provided, Sheffield alleged.
By settling the suit the township is not admitting any wrongful conduct as alleged by Sheffield, or any violation of law.