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"MAGNET THERAPY"

as currently promoted by Licensed Massage Therapist, who is:

FORMER WATCHTOWER SOCIETY CIRCUIT OVERSEER

WATCHTOWER BIBLE SCHOOL OF GILEAD GRADUATE

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NATALIE JOHNSON AKA NATALIE WIGHTMAN v. DEPT OF EDUCATION is an ongoing 2023 New South Wales, Australia Workers Compensation lawsuit involving a Jehovah's Witness female, age 40s, who has a variety of mental health issues resulting from both her employment and personal life. Natalie Johnson has been employed by the Department of Education for approximately 20 years, in various roles. In 2015, Natalie Wightman commenced working as an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer for seven schools. We include edited excerpts which point to the claimant's religion contributing to her many problems:

On 1 March 2018 aspects of Ms Johnson's early life are recorded and it is noted she ruminates, has high anxiety and perfectionist traits, and she needs to be in control of everything and she "has high powered job and taking on her student's issues as her own; wants "to fix then all"; wants to "protect them all". On 18 April 2018 it is recorded she has a major depressive disorder and has symptoms of major depression and she was teary with flat affect, with high level anxieties and struggles with upbringing with religious issues. ...  On 13 August 2019 Ms Johnson saw Dr Mou Rashid Bose for a review of her anxiety. It is noted that she was in a very strict discipline in Jehovah's Witness religion and "probably she was applying very strict pattern of discipline at work, at family which was not her way". ... On 20 July 2020 it is noted she wanted to see their psychologist as she was worried if her mother died she might do self-harm as she cannot think of life without her. It is also noted she was dependent on marijuana and Ms Johnson wanted help for this as well. ...

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MAURA MINERVA MARTINEZ v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 2015-20 New York federal administrative case. Maura M. Martinez (born 1969) filed an application for disability insurance benefits in 2015, which was denied in 2015, after which she requested a hearing, which was held in January 2018. An Administrative Law Judge denied Martinez's claim. Plaintiff requested review by the Appeals Council, which denied the request in February 2019. Maura Minerva Martinez thereafter commenced this action. The USDC upheld the denial of benefits partially based on Maura Minerva Martinez's own testimony:

Plaintiff testified that she was divorced and lived with her parents and sister. ... Plaintiff had a high school education and obtained an accounting certificate in 2007. Plaintiff previously worked as a bookkeeper at an automobile shop until 2015 ... Plaintiff testified that she stopped working in 2015 because "[she] was having conflicts" with her manager because he "was always yelling, and making [her] nervous." Plaintiff explained that she "was [largely] getting along fine with the other workers," but this single supervisor "had [her] in knots" and "stressed [her] out to the point that [she] would get aggravated and sometimes even lash back out." ... Plaintiff also ... tried to help her father with his business in 2016, but decided after a week or two that it was "[n]ot for [her] ... [a]t least not right now."

... Plaintiff testified that she completes "household chores" and has friends that she socializes with "maybe once a month" or "once every month and a half." ... Plaintiff explained that she is a Jehovah's Witness, goes to Kingdom Hall ... every Thursday and Sunday, and engages in outreach work consisting of "carts once a week" and going "door to door ... maybe once a month or once every two months." Plaintiff testified that she was a "nature person," and enjoyed hiking and playing volleyball but did so infrequently. Plaintiff also testified that she had a dog that she walked, fed, and bathed. Plaintiff took care of her own personal needs (i.e., bathed, dressed) with some difficulty, ... Plaintiff explained she had been a "sociable" and "patient" person up until 2015, when she started "getting riled about anything" and "would explode." Plaintiff testified that her therapy and counseling were helping her improve.

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JANINE KLEIN v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 2010-14 Arizona federal court proceeding in which Janine Klein unsuccessfully appealed the DENIAL of SS Disability benefits and the loss of appeal before an ALJ. Janine Klein (b:1960) claimed sufficient mental and physical disabilities to prevent her from maintaining gainful employment, but not sufficient to keep her from attending Kingdom Hall meetings twice weekly with her probable JW Elder husband, David Klein; nor prevent her from engaging in organized proselytizing activities; nor prevent her from assisting her daughter with her grandchildren.

"I'm aerobic instructor since 1995 of AEA teaching Aqua class and now certified of AFAA teaching any classes. Cycling, BootCamp, Body Works and Silver Sneaker. Love to teaching n help peoples to feel better health n happy. Im a mom, Im aerobic instructor, Im grandmother, have 5 grandkids n married 38 yrs with David. Loves hobbies, loves study the Bibles of Jehovah's Word." -- Facebook.

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ANDRE RAIMON DEYON v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 2017-22 federal administrative law decision. In October 2017, Andre Raimon Deyon applied for DIB payments alleging that he became disabled on March 28, 2014, due to "bulging disk in lower back, protruding and herniated disks up the spine, chronic pain, and high blood pressure." Andre Raimon Deyon was born on August 15, 1977, and was 36 years old on the alleged disability onset date. Andre Raimon Deyon has a high school education and can communicate in English.

Andre Raimon Deyon had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since March 28, 2014. The ALJ determined that Andre Raimon Deyon was unable to perform his past relevant work, but was not disabled, because he could perform a significant number of other jobs in the local and national economies -- specifically small products assembler, cashier, and fast-food worker. Plaintiff Andre Raimon Deyon sought review of this decision before the Appeals Council, which denied review on August 26, 2020. Therefore, the ALJ's decision became the final decision of the Commissioner. Plaintiff Andre Raimon Deyon sought judicial review by the USDC.

Now, Andre Raimon Deyon alleges an inability to work due to his low back pain -- the severity of which he rates as a nine out of ten. According to Andre Raimon Deyon, he can only stand or sit for an hour at a time and if he does "overdoes" things he will be "down" for a week with back pain. Despite these alleged severe limitations, the hearing testimony shows that Andre Raimon Deyon drives a car and picks up his daughter from school every day. Andre Raimon Deyon gives public talks as a Jehovah's Witness and spends four hours typing his speeches on a laptop. Andre Raimon Deyon "occasionally" or "sometimes" does door to door witnessing activities by walking for about an hour at a time. The Court finds that these activities were reasonably considered by the ALJ to be inconsistent with Andre Raimon Deyon's alleged inability to work due to constant, severe, debilitating low back pain.  Accordingly, the inconsistency between Andre Raimon Deyon's activity level and his complaints was yet another clear and convincing reason to find his statements and testimony not credible.

For all of the foregoing reasons, the USDC found that the ALJ did not err in evaluating Plaintiff's subjective complaints. After consideration of Plaintiff's and the Commissioner's briefs and a thorough review of the record, the USDC found that the ALJ's decision was supported by substantial evidence, and is therefore AFFIRMED. 

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TERRI JO ANDERSON v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 2012 Missouri federal court case. In February 2007, Terri J. Anderson, age 42, of Gainesville, Missouri, applied for social security disability benefits. TJ Anderson alleged disability beginning in January 2006, due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart problems, and irritable bowl syndrome (IBS). After the Commissioner initially denied Anderson's claim, she sought a hearing before an administrative law judge, who denied benefits. The USDC affirmed, writing in part:

At the time of the hearing, Anderson was forty-five years old, had obtained a high-school education, and lived with her husband (Wesley Anderson) and adult son. Before the ALJ, Anderson claimed disability primarily arising from pain in her neck and lower back. The hearing evidence chiefly consisted of medical records and live testimony from Anderson, her husband, and a vocational expert. Anderson testified that she had previously been employed as a waitress and clerical worker. The record also reveals that Anderson held positions as a driver, a catering assistant, a cashier and a house cleaner. According to Anderson, the pain in her back and her IBS prevented her from continuing as a waitress, house cleaner, and clerical worker.

Anderson further testified about her abilities and limitations. Anderson stated that she is able to stand about ten to fifteen minutes at a time, sit for fifteen minutes, and walk a half mile before needing rest. During a typical eight-hour day, Anderson sits with her feet elevated four to six hours. Anderson prepares meals for her family and does some household chores but needs the aid of her family to perform certain tasks. In Anderson's opinion, she can carry around five pounds but not for an extended period. Anderson is able to drive, shop for groceries, go to the beauty parlor, plant flowers, attend Jehovah's Witness service at Kingdom Hall, and attend bible study. Pain in her back limits the time during which Anderson is able to engage in certain hobbies such as sewing and crafts. Notwithstanding her back pain, in July 2008, Anderson told her doctor that she had been doing significant traveling and "riding around". (See Pinterest.)

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JAMILAH TALIBAH ABDUL-HAQQ v. KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITALS ET AL was a 2014-20 series of California federal employment discrimination and related lawsuits. In 2014, Jamilah Abdul-Haqq sued Kaiser Foundation Hospitals for violations of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act. She also sued the California Nurses Association for breach of fair representation, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence.

In her 2014 pro se lawsuit, Abdul-Haqq claimed that she had worked at three different Kaiser facilities since 2006, and then worked at the Antioch emergency room. Abul-Haqq alleged that she suffered from anxiety-related problems caused by her job, including migraines, recurrent outbreak of shingles, insomnia, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, paranoid to drive, unable to do regular daily routines. At times, she became suicidal, but goes to the hospital at that point. 

According to Abul-Haqq's complaint, she had had employment problems at all three of the Kaiser facilities where she has worked. She transferred from Santa Clara to Vacaville after she was retaliated against for filing a complaint about aggressive behavior that lead up to a folder being tossed at her and hitting her.

At Kaiser's Vacaville hospital, Abul-Haqq alleged that she was again retaliated against for reporting patient safety concerns, and that a manager changed her evaluation results two months after it was written. Abul-Haqq spent six months on disability leave while she worked there.

After transferring to her position at the Antioch emergency room, Abul-Haqq experienced behaviors the first week that triggered an exacerbation of symptoms. Abul-Haqq was determined to keep working because working was therapy for her, so she sent a complaint to the Emergency Room Director via e-mail.

Abul-Haqq contended that Kaiser did not investigate her complaint or engage in an interactive process to find a way to accommodate her. Abul-Haqq further alleged that the California Nurses Association, her union, changed her representative several times and did not provide the kind of help she needed. 

Jamilah Abul-Haqq sought compensatory damages, punitive damages, special damages, costs of suit, costs of individualized physiological treatment, desensitizing rehabilitation for PTSD, injunctive relief, and a jury trial.

The USDC dismissed both main actions with prejudice. The USDC terminated Kaiser I on April 10, 2015, and Kaiser II on May 1, 2017. Thereafter, Jamilah Abdul-Haqq requested that both case files be "sealed". Jamilah Abdul-Haqq contended that a third-party, Denise Smith, who was the significant other of Abdul-Haqq's former significant other, Rodney Hillman, had taken information that is available online which has some of Abdul-Haqq's medical diagnosis, and has harassed, threatened, and taunted Abdul-Haqq to improperly disclose [the subject] records. To support her requests, Abdul-Haqq included a string of text messages purportedly exchanged between her and Smith, including this interesting text from Smith to Abdul-Haqq:

"Please continue on this path. I am about to Rock your world legally. Thank you for providing all the document proof I need. I will be calling your job, Kingdom Hall, and the Board of Nursing with all back up documents as exhibits."

The USDC denied this request of Jamilah Abdul-Haqq, stating in part (edited):

First, when viewed in context, the text messages show that plaintiff initiated contact with Smith and Hillman, not the other way around. ... Indeed, during their exchange, Smith asks plaintiff, "Why are you texting Rodney at 1 am in the morning?" and tells her that, "Please respect our household. ... Please don't call or text." ... These circumstances undermine plaintiff's theory that Smith is somehow looking to "gratify" public scandal, circulate libelous statements, or otherwise cause plaintiff financial harm. Instead, based on the court's read of the text messages provided, it seems that Smith has no interest in "harassing, threatening, or taunting" plaintiff, ... -- she just wants to be left alone.

Second, plaintiff fails to explain why any "disclosure" by Smith of the subject records to plaintiff's job, house of worship, or nursing board would be improper. The contents of the filings in this action speak for themselves and, in any event, have long been publicly available to the above referenced institutions in the first instance.

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NATHAN ENGET v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 2014-18 federal Washington state case. THEN unmarried Jehovah's Witness Ministerial Servant Nathan Enget (b1985) filed a DIB application in May 2014, and an SSI application in October 2015, alleging disability beginning April 2014. Those applications were denied at the initial level and on reconsideration. After an Administrative Law hearing in July 2016, in October 2016, the ALJ issued a decision finding Nathan Enget not disabled. The Appeals Council denied Enget's request for review in November 2017, making the ALJ's decision the final decision of the Commissioner. Enget next appealed the final decision of the Commissioner to the USDC. The USDC affirmed, stating in part (edited):

Plaintiff was born on [redacted] 1985. He completed high school and one year of college. ... He has performed some part-time jobs, but nothing rising to the level of "past relevant work." ... The ALJ found plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since the alleged onset date. ... The ALJ found plaintiff's degenerative disc disease, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder severe. ... The ALJ found plaintiff's impairments did not meet or equal the criteria of a listed impairment. If a claimant's impairments do not meet or equal a listing, the Commissioner must assess residual functional capacity (RFC) ... .

The ALJ found plaintiff able to perform a range of light work, with the following limitations: lift and/or carry twenty pounds occasionally and ten pounds frequently; stand and/or walk and sit six hours in an eight-hour workday, with the ability to change position from sitting to standing or from standing to sitting approximately every thirty minutes; never climb ladders, ropes, or scaffolds; occasionally climb ramps and stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch; never crawl; must avoid concentrated exposure to hazards, such as moving machinery and unprotected heights; and limited to simple, routine, repetitive tasks, consistent with unskilled work. Plaintiff had no past relevant work to consider in relation to the RFC. ... With the assistance of the V[ocational] E[xpert], the ALJ found plaintiff capable of performing other jobs, such as work as a cashier or small products assembler. ... ... ...

The ALJ, finally, found evidence of plaintiff's activities, including his ability to stay engaged in church activities, attend weekly meetings, and walk around for extended periods and spend time with others for his ministry, inconsistent with his testimony as to the degree of his limitation. ...This provided an additional specific and legitimate reason for rejecting plaintiff's testimony.

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The following edited EXCERPT is taken from an up-to-date 2022 online resume posted by the above plaintiff:

Some other experience I have that would be useful to an office environment, comes from my volunteer position in a local non profit organization. I'm in charge of keeping their accounts in order. Even when I was asked to move to another congregation within the organization, they assigned me the role of Account Servant. Every week I am responsible for collecting the money from the donation boxes, counting it, filling out a bank deposit slip, and depositing the money. At the end of every month I enter the data and prepare reports to keep the overseers informed of how the accounts are being handled. I've also received many other responsibilities for this organization that has put me in charge of directing and training other volunteers, creating schedules to organize volunteer work for the audio visual and attendant departments. 

...

Self Employed

Sep 2014 - Present 7 years 7 months

Olympia, WA

-- Maintains a schedule of regular pet sitting for 12 repeat customers

-- Offers day and overnight services in animal care for dogs, cats, birds, and small animals"

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Whistleblower calls inspectors to care home over safety fears

"The provider had failed to protect people against the risk of abuse or improper treatment."

Jah-Jireh care home in Leyland has been issued with a warning by the CQC.

A Leyland care [home] has [been] put into special measures and must make improvements within months after serious failings were discovered in a recent inspection.

Jah-Jireh care home in Leyland has been slapped with an official warning notice from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after it was given an inadequate report rating on Thursday (July 29, [2021]).

The care facility, dedicated to Jehovah's Witnesses, was deemed to be unsafe, poorly led and unable to protect people against the risk of abuse or improper treatment, during an unannounced inspection carried out in June [2021].

A myriad of safety concerns were highlighted by the government watchdog including the a failure to consistently weigh residents, report on any injuries or incidents and adhere fully to safe Covid-19 guidelines.

Despite this, the care home was marked 'good' for both the caring and responsive categories.

Cleanliness was reported as a problem for inspectors who made note of "soiled equipment" found in the communal bathrooms at Jah-Jireh.

The report read: "Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing were not consistently assessed or planned for.

"We reviewed seven care files and found inconsistencies or missing information in all of them.

"We found concerns with the cleanliness and maintenance of the environment.

"We observed staff not following good practice guidance around infection prevention and control including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

"We found recruitment records were not always complete and we have made a recommendation around this."

Jah-Jireh care home in Leyland is just one of several homes run by the Jah-Jireh charity, providing care to elderly people who are baptised Jehovah's Witnesses.

Inspectors descended on the home on June 3, [2021] after the CQC received concerning reports relating to quality assurance, risk management, and people's safety at the home.

The government watchdog undertook a focused inspection to review these key areas, finding clear issues with all three.

During their inspection, CQC officers found that the care plan for one resident claimed that their skin was intact despite that resident having "multiple areas of pressure damage" with no evidence that staff were doing anything to mitigate this risk.

Another resident had consistently lost weigh over a period of five months while there was no documentary evidence that the home had sought to manage that risk or weigh the resident for the previous four months.

More than a dozen other issues were also identified including inadequate fire safety measures, an inability to manage medicines safely, and incomplete recruitment records for staff.

The provider had failed to protect residents against the risk of abuse or improper treatment.

The CQC report read: "We found no evidence that people had been significantly harmed however, systems were either not in place or robust enough to demonstrate safety was effectively managed.

"This placed people at risk of harm. The provider had failed to protect people against the risk of abuse or improper treatment.

"The service had procedures to minimise the potential risk of abuse or unsafe care. However, we found these were not always followed.

"We found incidents that had not been reported to safeguarding in line with current guidance. These included repeated falls, unexplained injuries and a pressure injury."

Jah-Jireh was also told that they had failed to manage the risks relating to the prevention and control of infection.

Equipment in communal bathrooms was found to be soiled while walking aids used by residents were "visibly unclean."

Jah-Jireh have been handed an official warning notice by the CQC who have also ordered the home to make several changes to their operations.

The CQC says: "The overall rating for this service is 'Inadequate' and the service is therefore in 'special measures'. This means we will keep the service under review and, if we do not propose to cancel the provider's registration,we will re-inspect within 6 months to check for significant improvements.

"If the provider has not made enough improvement within this timeframe. And there is still a rating ofinadequate for any key question or overall rating, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures.

"This will mean we will begin the process of preventing the provider from operating this service. This will usually lead to cancellation of their registration or to varying the conditions the registration."

A spokesperson for Jah-Jireh said: "We acknowledge the published CQC report. It has been a particularly challenging time during the COVID pandemic, and this has impacted our normal routines.

"We would like to assure you that we are working closely with the relevant authorities to address the concerns raised. Any matters relating to specific individuals have been prioritised and already responded to, the ones involved (and/ or their primary contact) have been notified.

"Following the inspection improvements are continuing to be implemented. With this in mind, we aim to ensure that the Leyland Home returns to its previous overall "Good" rating at a future inspection.'"

Source: LancsLive, August 3, 2021.

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AMANDA SERGEANT v. MORTON BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL were separate 2010-15 Queensland, Australia employment related court cases filed by a government employed female Jehovah's Witness clerical worker both through the appropriate Workers Compensation channel, but also privately to the Australia Council of Human Rights. This brief summary is intended only to refer interested readers to the three or more online decisions easily located via Google.

Amanda Sergeant apparently began experiencing increasing mental health issues after a divorce in 2008. Such were exasperated by changes at her job. Sergeant evidently began to take jobplace joking, kidding, and bantering very personally, especially after her coworkers took it on themselves to "help" Sergeant with her poor eating habits after watching her gain nearly 70 pounds over an 18 month period.

Amanda Sergeant's Supervisor described Sargeant as being "great, everybody liked her, professional, and she worked on difficult stuff", prior to 2009, but that by the end of 2009 he was having issues with Sargeant whom he had once overheard yelling at and abusing a customer on the phone, and he had been required to have some discussion with her. Supervisor was aware that Sargeant had personal issues at the time, and he believed that Sergeant had some difficulty in keeping her personal life out of her work. In 2009, Sergeant had been allowed to work reduced hours of four days per week, and in 2010, Sergeant had formally requested another reduction to either two or three days per week. Supervisor had some discussions with management about the request and was happy to support the reduction. In 2009, Supervisor had recommended that Sergeant attend a Toastmasters course and undertake training, which he indicated was for the purposes of "getting her better". 

With regard to Sergeant's complaints about her being discriminated against, Supervisor could not recall such a complaint ever being made, although he did remember that Sergeant had stormed out on her last day at work over something that had happened to her which led her to believe she was getting picked on, but he certainly did not see it that way because everyone was having fun in the workplace and there were often jokes and banter happening. Supervisor did recall witnessing an incident in July 2010 where Sargeant had told a fellow staff member to "fuck off", and then stormed out of the office. 

Supervisor noted that, from time to time, Sargeant would start "whining" about matters at work, and at one stage he had told her to stop, and indicated to her in that exchange that she had not been listening to what he had been saying. He denied, in the course of the exchange, that he was aggressive and there had never been any intent of that type when he had been discussing matters with her. In his view, had Sargeant thought that was the case, then she had misread what he had said to her. He did indicate that he had raised his voice a little when talking to her and in hindsight he regretted that. He described his relationship with Sergeant after that incident as "great" and that he never received feedback that she was the slightest bit concerned about what had happened.

Amanda Sergeant made many complaints in her cases about her Supervisor. One notable complaint in particular was regarding a meeting with her in which Sergeant described Supervisor as having "an angry face and body language", and at the same meeting he had talked about sexuality, in particular, gay people, which Sargeant indicated to him that she had found his comments offensive, and that other people might feel the same way, to which Supervisor replied that Sergeant's "comment was typical of a "JOB" [Jehovah's Witness].

At one time, Sergeant had gone on sick leave and due to the fact that she was working in a specialised area, he had been required to phone her in relation to a query about a work-related matter. He gave evidence that at no time did she complain about the contact that he had made with her while she was on sick leave.

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VICTORIA v. ANDRES CANEPA URANGA was a 2017-19 Australia Workers Compensation FRAUD prosecution. In August 2019, Andres Canepa Uranga, age 36, pleaded guilty in the Sunshine Magistrates Court to three counts of fraudulently obtaining workers compensation payments after injuring his eye while working as a carpenter, in May 2015. Andres Uranga was ordered to pay back the $112,975.00 in workers compensation payments that he received between May 2015 and August 2017, as well as $1000.00 in costs.

Andrea Uranga secretly began working as a painter just 10 days after claiming he was unable to work and later used three fake medical certificates to continue to receive benefits after his medical doctor banned him when he became aggressive and kicked in the doctor's front gate.

The fraud was first detected in August 2018 when an independent medical expert contacted Uranga's doctor about a possible return to work, only to find out the doctor had not seen Uranga since February 2017.

A day later, police arrested Andrea Uranga for five armed robberies, and discovered a bundle of certificates of capacity to work in his possession. The numbers had been cut out of some certificates and applied over existing dates on others using sticky tape. It was also discovered that three certificates Uranga had submitted in June, July and August 2017 had been illegally altered.

A subsequent WorkSafe investigation revealed Andreas Uranga had received more than $87,000.00 working as a painter from March 2015 to January 2017.

Andres Canepa Uranga is a citizen of Uruguay. He was born in 1982. He first arrived in Australia in 2002 as the holder of a tourist visa. In March 2015, he was granted a Partner visa. That visa was cancelled in July 2020.

Parents were Jehovah's Witnesses, so Uranga's upbringing was very strict, with no birthday celebrations permitted and no Christmas celebrations, and that it was compulsory to attend the Kingdom Hall three times a week. Father disciplined Uranga physically, but was never violent towards mother. Typical of South Americans, Uranga alleges that he was sexually abused at the age of six or seven years by a slightly older family member.

Uranga completed Year 9 at school. Had very few friends at school because of his WatchTower Cult religion, and discouraged by JW Parents from socialising outside school. When Uranga turned 18 years of age, he left the Jehovah's Witnesses , which enraged his father. 

Uranga contacted a paternal uncle in Australia and obtained a 12-month tourist visa in 2002 to come to Australia. On arriving in Australia, Uranga worked for his uncle as a cleaner in order to repay him for the cost of the airline ticket. Learned English from television and radio. Exploited by uncle and left his home and commenced to work as a painter until about 2012, when he took up carpentry and worked with a former brother-in-law. While working as a carpenter, Uranga suffered a workplace injury in 2015, when a portion of a nail flew into his left eye. 

Married in 2005. Has a daughter, Sofia, who is now aged 13 years. As a result of this marriage, Uranga was able to obtain permanent residency in Australia. Divorced. Commenced a relationship with a Ms McNally, with whom Uranga had another daughter around 2010. Possibly other Uruguay relatives in Australia.

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JAMES D. GEUSS v. PFIZER was a 1992-96 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) employment discrimination lawsuit filed by a Jehovah's Witness Elder named James Geuss, who worked at Pfizer's Easton, Pennsylvania manufacturing plant as a laboratory technician from June 1989 to October 1992. Jim Geuss, who suffered from asthma, worked without incident at Pfizer until the Fall of 1991, when Guess' male supervisor was replaced by a female supervisor. Geuss' asthma immediately became an issue. In early 1992, Geuss and Pfizer had several discussions concerning the extent of Geuss' asthma and whether any accommodations could be made. The parties could not agree on a solution to Geuss' problem. On October 5, 1992, Geuss began staying home from work because his doctor, Dr. Eric Schenkel, recommended that he stay at home until he felt better. Pfizer concluded there was nothing more it could do for Geuss, and told him to report to work on October 26, 1992, or be suspended without pay. On October 26, Geuss reported to work with a note from Schenkel that stated Geuss could not work because the work environment exacerbated his asthma. Pfizer suspended Geuss without pay beginning on October 26, 1992, but he continued to receive medical benefits until April 1993. Geuss filed a disability discrimination claim with the EEOC in October 1992. The EEOC apparently eventually issued a right-to-sue letter, and Geuss thereafter brought this federal lawsuit.

At trial, Geuss contended that he requested a number of specific accommodations, including transferring to a different position, retraining, changing job duties, improving the ventilation in the laboratory, and using a self-contained breathing apparatus. Pfizer responded that Geuss never specifically requested any accommodations, and that none of Geuss' now claimed accommodations were reasonable. However, the jury believed Geuss when he claimed that he had requested to be re-assigned back with his previous male supervisor.

After a five day trial, the jury found that Geuss suffered $165,250.00 worth of losses ($65,000.00 in back pay, $89,000.00 in front pay, and $11,250.00 in compensatory damages), and also awarded him $150,000.00 in punitive damages. On Pfizer's motion, the USDC reduced the punitive damages from $150,000.00 to $17,500.00.

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IN RE DANIEL LEE HAMON (1980), AFL-CIO v. GREEN COUNTY CASTING CORPORATION (1980-82), and DANIEL LEE HAMON, RICKY JAKE HAMON, ET AL v. GREEN COUNTY CASTING CORPORATION (1981-87) are related 1980-87 Workers Compensation, NLRB, and Oklahoma state court cases filed by a Jehovah's Witness Minister named Daniel Hamon, then age 32, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, his cousin, Ricky Hamon, and six other co-workers, against their employer, Green County Casting Corp. Ricky J. Hamon was "Chief Steward" of the local Union, and had been involved in 500 previous grievances filed against GREEN.

The employees' union contract with GREEN expired October 31, 1979, and a strike commenced immediately thereafter. Daniel Hamon and Ricky Hamon each served as "Picket Captains" during the strike. A settlement was reached in January 1980, and all workers were recalled except for Daniel L. Hamon, Ricky J. Hamon, and the other defendants due to the fact that AFTER the strike had commenced they had filed Workers Compensation claims against GREEN.

Daniel Hamon's Workers Compensation claim was filed on November 12, 1979, in which Dan Hamon alleged that he had suffered a back injury on October 31, 1979. Daniel Hamon chose his own treating physician, who later provided testimony that Hamon had suffered a 20% PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY. The examining doctor for the State Insurance Fund testified that Dan Hamon had not suffered any "permanent disability" whatsoever, and that as of his examination in January 1980, he had found no temporary physical impairment whatsoever, nor had he found any evidence of any prior medical treatment for such. Despite such testimony, in March 1980, the Oklahoma WC Board granted Daniel Lee Hamon 8% PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY.

Despite winning reinstatement, back wages, interest, etc. before the NLRB, the defendants then proceeded to sue GREEN in Oklahoma state court for additional damages allegedly caused by "retaliatory discharge". Outcome unknown, but indications are that the Defendants also won that court case.

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"Local 798's evidence shows that two successive union representatives who would have been in a position to file a grievance for Mr. Jones asked him for medical documentation and he refused to provide it. Mr. Jones has not responded to that evidence with any admissible evidence of his own. Most importantly, he has not offered any proof beyond his own unsworn assertion that his own doctors continued to certify that he was unable to work at any time after May, 2004. He admits that he failed to appear for several independent medical examinations that GM requested during this time period, but claims it is because they would not reschedule them to meet his personal convenience. What he does not mention in his motion papers but what is shown by his deposition is that he had moved to Florida during this time and, according to the Complaint, enrolled in flight school. How can it be that he was well enough to pass the F.A.A. flight medicine test but was physically unable to return to work at GM and can produce no medical evidence regarding this assertion?"

"In his statement of facts supporting his claim of discrimination, Mr. Jones adverts to a situation where he and Lonnie Campbell received what he believes is disparate discipline for the same infraction of work rules. ... The facts about that incident as revealed by the evidence are that on October 23, 2001, Mr. Jones and another worker left work early. ... Both employees were disciplined for this infraction. ... Jones was suspended for two weeks and disqualified from working in Ms. Lum's department. ... Jones admitted at his deposition that he does not know but believes that Mr. Campbell received a balance of shift plus three day suspension. ... In accordance with GM's progressive discipline, an employee's work record is a factor in assessing the discipline that is appropriate for that employee. Two employees committing the same infraction on the same day would not necessarily receive the same discipline if one had a work record significantly different from the other. ... the case law cited above shows that in a plant where there is a progressive discipline policy, the work records of the persons being disciplined are relevant. It is not for the courts to say whether a particular amount of discipline is justified or not; inferentially, Mr. Jones admits some discipline was justified because he does not deny leaving work early. Rather, the courts are concerned with whether discipline is applied on a racially discriminatory basis. As to that question, Mr. Jones has not produced proof that he and Mr. Campbell were similarly situated.

 

"Mr. Jones also complains of a situation in which he was the victim of a racial slur by Jeff Siebert. ... The context in which this allegedly occurred is as follows: On or about December, 2000, Mr. Jones was working on the Car line. ... Mr. Jones wrote post-it notes about his supervisor, Jeff Adams. The notes said 'Jeff Adams is trying to kill me. Keeps giving me this Shao Lin Tae Kwon Do look which seems to suggest I'm going to kill you.' The notes went on in this vein, claiming that Mr. Adams was 'stalking' him, noting 'So far my arm pit odor has kept him at bay But I'm not sure how long I can hold out ...' ... Jones saw the notes as an attempt to get Mr. Adams to lighten up, but the Company saw this as somewhat threatening to Mr. Adams and somewhat accusatory toward Mr. Adams, in both cases improperly so. ... Jones was given a suspension and was asked to see Employee Assistance for evaluation. ...

"Mr. Jones began keeping notes in a journal at this time. ... He recorded every incident at work that he thought was unfair. ... He went to see Mr. Adams' boss, Jeff Siebert, on or about December 15, 2000. Mr. Siebert told Mr. Jones he agreed with Jeff Adams that the notes had been inappropriate. ... Mr. Jones states that, during this discussion, he saw Mr. Siebert mouth the words 'Dumb nigger' to himself when he thought Mr. Jones was not looking. ... A day or so later, in December, 2000, Mr. Jones was at his workstation when he claims he heard Mr. Siebert talking to Mr. Adams about 25-30 feet away. According to Mr. Jones, Mr. Siebert told Mr. Adams 'fire his ass, you fire that nigger's ass.' ...

 

"Mr. Jones allegedly complained to the Union that Mr. Siebert and Mr. Adams were discriminating against him. ... Although there were many other employees in the same work area where Mr. Siebert allegedly used a racial slur, Mr. Jones states he did not ask anyone if they had heard the remark. ... When he allegedly complained to the Union, Mr. Jones did not provide the Union with the names of potentially corroborating witness. ... The next day, December 20, 2000, the Union allegedly went with Mr. Jones to the Company with Mr. Jones' complaint. Again, according to Mr. Jones, neither Mr. Jones nor the Union identified any witnesses to this supposed remark. ... GM investigates any complaint of discrimination and makes a record of its investigation, even where it concludes that the accusation is not accurate. ... GM has no record of any such complaint by Mr. Jones. ... According to Mr. Jones, the same day as he allegedly complained of discrimination by Mr. Siebert, a Quality Manager approached Mr. Jones with an offer of transfer to C crew. ... Jones declined this offer. ... Accepting Mr. Jones' statements as true for purposes of these Motions, the alleged racial slurs which Mr. Jones attributes to Jeff Siebert would provide evidence of discriminatory animus by Mr. Siebert, but there is no evidence that Mr. Siebert's alleged animus played any part in any decision adversely affecting Mr. Jones. Instead, the record shows that, as soon as Mr. Jones complained about Mr. Siebert, he was immediately transferred away from him to Mr. Foreman and soon thereafter to Ms. McCauley. Thus the evidence is insufficient to show that GM subjected Mr. Jones to a racially hostile work place: it transferred him as soon as he raised the issue of racial slurs."

"... [Jones] believes that, after he spoke to Jeff Siebert in January, 2001, complaining about Jeff Adams, GM set out on a course of retaliation against him which lasted until he went out on leave in June, 2003. In this 2 year period, his longest assignment, January-September, 2002, was under Carolyn McCann, a supervisor who he admits was fair to him. His second longest assignment, from March 2001-August, 2001 was under Myra McCauley, about whom he had no complaints except that she disciplined him for loading the wrong control arms on the line, an infraction he admits he did commit. ... Discipline for that admitted infraction many months after the protected conduct by a supervisor Plaintiff admits was fair cannot properly be attributed to retaliation.

 

"By contrast, the supervisors he overtly complained about were Jeff Siebert, Brian Foreman and John Bowles. He also perceived the Trim Group 5 job in which he was placed in late 2001 to be so difficult that he went on stress leave after a few days. GM's responses to his dissatisfaction in each case do not show an intent to force Mr. Jones into assignments he had trouble with. After he supposedly complained about Jeff Siebert, he was offered a new assignment the same day - which he refused - and transferred to Brian Foreman within a few weeks. He only worked for Mr. Foreman for about three weeks. After he insisted Mr. Foreman singled him out for discipline and then went on a month's sick leave, he was transferred to Myra McCauley, an assignment that lasted five months, until he admittedly put the wrong control arms on the line. When he found the Trim Group 5 job stressful and went on stress leave, he was put in the door seal trim job under Carolyn McCann, who he admitted was a fair supervisor, for nine months.

 

"After he complained about working under John Bowles, Mr. Jones was reassigned to Crystal Brown, but he almost immediately ran his forklift into a stack of shocks. He was then transferred to work the headliner job, which he described as 'a really really good job, a very nice job'. ... In this job, he worked under Suzette Hamilton who, he admits, treated him fairly. This was the last job he worked. He ran his forklift into the worktable in late June, 2003 and went out on leave without working another job.

 

"This undisputed record does not support plaintiff's claim that, after he complained to Jeff Siebert, GM began forcing Mr. Jones to work in jobs he was not suited for or under supervisors who he perceived as antagonistic to him. It shows that, rather than forcing Mr. Jones into jobs he did not like, for whatever reason, GM readily removed him from those jobs and that, when he got to jobs he was comfortable in, GM kept him in those jobs for extended periods. Moreover, the record does not show Mr. Jones' job assignments becoming harsher or more unfavorable as time went on. The last job he was assigned to, after his first forklift accident was, in his works, 'a really, really good job, a very nice job' under a supervisor who was fair to him. The evidence, even construed most favorably to Mr. Jones, does not support a prima facie case of retaliation."

"On or about August 18, 2003, Mr. Jones was sent to an Independent Medical Examiner, Dr. Mark Reynolds, for an evaluation. Dr. Reynolds' notes state that Mr. Jones reported 'passive suicidal thoughts . . . . But has no plan or intent.' ... He also recorded in his notes that Mr. Jones stated 'He further planned once to use his military training to deal with the people at General Motors whom he feels have wronged him. He reports however he is a Jehovah's Witness and feels very guilty about these thoughts and would not act on them.' ... Dr. Reynolds' notes in Mr. Jones' benefits file noted 'passive suicidal and homicidal ideation without plan or intent.' ...

 

"In August, 2003, GM's National Benefits Center notified the Company Medical Department. Labor Relations was notified that Mr. Jones should not be routinely admitted to the plant. ... Labor Relations instructed security that Mr. Jones should not be admitted to the plant until Labor Relations was notified and approved. ... Labor Relations did not provide a reason for this instruction. ... Mr. Jones believes that the picture of him sent to the guard shack was also distributed in the plant and that this caused his co-workers, and eventually, members of his church, to question whether he was violent. ... On or about August 26, 2003, Mr. Jones sought admission to the plant. The security guard informed him that she would need to call Labor Relations first. Mr. Jones, upon hearing this information, decided to leave without entering the plant. ... In his deposition, Plaintiff made clear that his complaints of libel, slander, and invasion of privacy are based on the fact that the information from Dr. Reynolds was transmitted to the plant with the result that he was denied entry in August, 2003, and Mr. Jones' belief that word of this action reached his co-workers and, eventually, members of his religious community. ... The alleged invasion of privacy, similarly, is that the 'defendants gained access to personal information from the National Benefit Center Unauthorized and did share that information with unauthorized third parties and did out of pure malice and spite subject plaintiff to embarrassment, humiliation, loss of status and significant and lifelong loss and damage."

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IN RE JAMAICAN JW EMPLOYEE was a 1994-99 Ontario Workplace Appeals Tribunal case which involved an unidentified Jehovah's Witness male Employee, who was claiming psychological disability caused by workplace harassment due to his black Jamaican race and Jehovah's Witness religion. Not so surprisingly, this case was not JAM's first instance of employment problems.

After arriving in Canada from Jamaica, in 1974, the 18 year-old JAM worked only a few weeks for a cabinetmaker before a fellow Jehovah's Witness had to get him a job at a clock manufacturing firm. There, JAM allegedly was occasionally the target of racial discrimination, and he recalled at least two occasions when he was called the N-word. He reported the second name-calling incident to a supervisor who only shrugged it off. JAM was fired after six years with that employer. JAM now claims it was because of his racial origin. JAM filed a formal complaint regarding that dismissal, but was only awarded two weeks severance pay. From 1980 until 1986, JAM completed some high school courses, but could not complete a carpentry vocational course, and held no meaningful employment.

JAM was hired by the latest employer -- a furniture factory -- in June 1986. Curiously, although JAM claims that he got the job via his own efforts -- despite discrimination against him -- his first two supervisors just coincidentally happened to both be fellow Jehovah's Witnesses. The first time that JAM was fired by latest employer was in May 1988 -- due to poor workmanship, despite both verbal and written warnings, and even a one-day suspension. JAM's Union obtained a settlement whereby JAM was reinstated. JAM was fired a second time due to poor workmanship in July 1988, but the termination was withdrawn after threat of Union intervention.

JAM's two Jehovah's Witness supervisors left the company in 1991. JAM claims that repeated instances of religious and racial discrimination began thereafter. JAM left his job in September 1992, and was diagnosed with and treated for a "neurosis". In November 1992, JAM filed a complaint alleging religious and race discrimination with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. JAM returned to work for two weeks in March 1993, but was sent home due to his emotional condition. JAM returned to work for one week in September 1993, but was sent home by the employer, who asked for a medical clearance. JAM thereafter filed this case for disability compensation. In November 1994, a hearing on JAM's disability case ended with a DENIAL. JAM appealed, and multiple hearings were held from 1996 until this decision in 1999.

The Ontario Workplace Appeals Tribunal ruled that JAM was entitled to disability benefits due to a psychological condition caused by the actions of JAM's co-workers and a supervisor. However, although there multiple racial and religious slurs and incidents, the Tribunal ruled that such incidents were NOT the result of racial or religious prejudice. Rather, the Tribunal found that such were the actions of frustrated and irritated co-workers reacting to repeated instances of JAM's own incompetence, poor workmanship, and failure to listen to and cooperate with co-workers and supervisors.

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FULGHEN v. POSTMASTER GENERAL and FULGHEN v. POSTMASTER GENERAL were related 2010 Michigan federal court cases which involved an African-American Jehovah's Witness female named Damita J. Fulghen. Damita Fulghen was employed by USPS as a CSR at a post office in Detroit. Fulghen suffers from chronic ulcerative colitis, an incurable digestive tract condition that causes intermittent abdominal pain and difficulty controlling the frequency of bowel movements. These two court cases relate only to the following actions in 2005.

Fulghen was late for work seven times between March 2, 2005 and March 17, 2005, fand she also took leave of approximately four hours on March 7, 2005. Fulghen was also late for work on April 7, 2005. Fulghen alleged that her medical condition caused her to arrive at work late, because on days when her condition flares up, she must begin the day by laying on her side for thirty minutes. On April 14, 2005, Supervisor issued a Letter of Warning indicating that Fulghen had failed to adhere to USPS attendance regulations. The letter stated that it was given to afford Fulghen an opportunity to correct the issue. Fulghen responded by filing a grievance through her union. The parties settled this grievance, and the Letter of Warning was accordingly modified to an "Official Discussion".

On May 4, 2005, Supervisor issued Fulghen a written Notice of Suspension, stating that she was to be suspended for seven days beginning June 6, 2005. The Notice indicated that Fulghen violated Postal Service regulations by failing to follow the instructions of her supervisor. Fulghen filed a grievance challenging this suspension. On May 27, 2005, the parties settled the grievance, rescinding the suspension before it took effect.

On May 29, 2005, Fulghen filed an administrative discrimination complaint, alleging that her ulcerative colitis constituted a disability, and that Supervisor gave her the Letter of Warning and the Notice of Suspension because of this alleged disability. Fulghen also asserted that the Letter of Warning and Notice of Suspension were the result of retaliation.

On June 6, 2005, Fulghen called to inform Supervisor that she would be late for work due to illness. Fulghen requested leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for this absence. Supervisor contacted the local FMLA Coordinator to determine whether the request should be approved. FMLA Coordinator sent Supervisor a message stating that Fulghen's existing FMLA documentation was not properly certified by the physician to cover tardiness. Supervisor denied Fulghen's request for FMLA leave and explained that such required certification from a physician. The FMLA Coordinator also sent Fulghen a letter the following day, instructing her to return medical documentation, within fifteen days, excusing the previous day's absence.

On June 7, 2005, Supervisor informed Fulghen that effective June 13, 2005, her shift would be changed to her original 'bid' shift of 9:15 AM to 6:15 PM. Fulghen responded by writing letters to the local Area Manager and United States Postmaster General. The following day, Fulghen filed a second administrative discrimination complaint, alleging that the shift change constituted retaliation against her. Approximately one week after Fulghen's new schedule took effect, the acting Area Manager informed Supervisor that after one year of working a different schedule, Fulghen could not be placed on her original bid schedule. Supervisor apologized to Fulghen and explained that the following Monday, she should report for work at her usual starting time of 8:00 AM.

Plaintiff alleges that Defendant last violated the FMLA by denying her request for leave in June 2005. She filed this action in March 2010, nearly five years later. Plaintiff's claim is untimely, ... . Tolling of the statute of limitations cannot save Plaintiff's claim. District courts have held that because a plaintiff need not exhaust administrative remedies before bringing an FMLA action, the filing of a discrimination charge with the EEOC does not toll the FMLA statute of limitations. ... ... ...

Defendant contends that Plaintiff has not suffered an adverse employment action, and therefore cannot establish her prima facie case. The Court agrees. An employer's action is not considered adverse simply because it makes the employee unhappy or resentful. ... Only an action that represents a change in the terms and conditions of employment gives rise to a discrimination claim. ... Plaintiff has pointed to no change in the terms and conditions of her employment resulting from the denial of FMLA leave to cover instances of tardiness. ...

The Letter of Warning merely noted Plaintiff's failure to adhere to attendance regulations for the purpose of allowing her to correct the issue. ... The Letter did not modify in any way the terms and conditions of Plaintiff's employment, and cannot be considered an adverse employment action. As for the Notice of Suspension, it is settled that a discrimination claim does not arise until a proposed action is implemented. ... Plaintiff's proposed suspension was rescinded before it began, and thus cannot support her discrimination claim. Her schedule change is not actionable because of its short duration. ... ... ...

Plaintiff alleges retaliation based on the same action supporting her discrimination claim. The Court has concluded, however, that denial of Plaintiff's request for FMLA leave to cover instances of tardiness did not constitute an adverse employment action. Because Plaintiff must identify an adverse employment action as part of her prima facie case, her retaliation claim fails as a matter of law. ...

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Industrial Indemnity has directed our attention towards inconsistencies in the employee's testimony. We find that, in the hearing, the employee flatly contradicted her deposition testimony concerning whether her ankle had been injured in her foot accidents at work, about her lucidity and her use of narcotic medications during the deposition, and about the medical advice she may have received concerning her use of a crutch. We also find the employee's hearing testimony concerning the work-relatedness of her claimed disability flatly contradicted her legal documents in her claim against Reno Air. We are particularly troubled by the employee's testimony that she had her son surreptitiously complete portions of her psychological testing during her evaluation by Dr. Detrick. We are compelled to find the employee is not credible.
 

[Cynthia]Edwards testified inconsistently concerning the employee's plans for a trip to Disneyland during for her California medical consultation in 1995. Also, the uncontradicted evidence in the record indicates Keith Pleasure completed portions of the employee's psychological testing, deceiving Dr. Detrick. We must also find these two witnesses are not credible ... .

"On June 25, 2001, in order to obtain information as to Plaintiff's level of activity, Defendant hired Dempsey Investigations, Inc. to conduct visual and video surveillance of Plaintiff. During the surveillance, Dempsey captured Plaintiff for 14.5 minutes performing the following activities:

'loading 7 bags of groceries, 2 one gallon jugs of water, 24 [soda] can box from shopping cart to the back seat of the vehicle, lifting grocery bags two at a time, lifting one gallon jug and 24 [soda] can box from bottom of cart on one occasion, bending into back seat area without hand support with above items, entering/exiting a motor vehicle with no difficulties, running errands, wedding, placing a sun guard up against from windshield and twisting upper body from sitting position.'

 

In his report, the investigator noted that at no time during his surveillance did Plaintiff 'exhibit any apparent physical limitations'.

"Plaintiff argues that because the medical records submitted by various physicians indicated that Plaintiff's fibromyalgia, CFS and other medicinal problems rendered her disabled and unable to engage in any sustained work activity, Defendant's decision to terminate Plaintiff's benefits was wrong. However, based on the evidence before Defendant at the time of its decision, this Court does not agree with Plaintiff's assessment. There does not appear to be any dispute as to whether Plaintiff's suffers from fibromyalgia or CFS. What is disputed and had to be demonstrated by Plaintiff to Defendant at the time her claim for benefits was being considered was whether Plaintiff's conditions rendered her totally disabled as defined under the Plan. Based on a review of the evidence in the record, this Court cannot say that Defendant's decision to deny Plaintiff continued benefits under the Plan was de novo wrong. Defendant thoroughly gathered and reviewed all medical information, including that information provided by Plaintiff, concerning Plaintiff's condition. Pursuant to the Plan, in order to continue receiving LTD benefits, Plaintiff, as a direct consequence of her disability, had to be 'so prevented from performing one or more of the essential duties of any occupation for which she was qualified.' Nothing in the record indicates Plaintiff was so prevented. As such, this Court will not disturb Defendant's determination."

BOBRIK v. NORTHWEST CENTER FOR THE RETARDED was a 2005 Washington State federal court decision. A Jehovah's Witness, named Robert Bobrik, first filed a complaint with the Seattle Office of Civil Rights, and possibly with other state and/or federal agencies, and eventually filed a federal lawsuit against his former employer alleging that his former employer failed to "accommodate" his various disabilities, violated the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, and unlawfully discharged him in "retaliation" for his exercising his legal rights. The USDC summarily dismissed Bobrik's lawsuit in July 2005. Something tells me the USDC's decision may have been appealed.

Northwest Center for the Retarded is a charitable organization that raises funds for its programs by operating donation centers throughout the Seattle area to receive donations of household goods. Since Northwest Center for the Retarded is an organization dedicated to finding vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, NWCR also endeavors to employ individuals with disabilities. Robert Bobrik began working at an NWCR donation center in 2000. Bobrik suffered from a condition that limited the mobility in his back and legs. Bobrik's disability did not permit him to lift heavy objects. Aware of that limitation, NWCR consistently exempted Bobrik from lifting items over 10 pounds, and generally ensured that his job required only light duty work. Bobrik worked on the second floor of the building. Bobrik had difficulty ascending the outside staircase that most other employees used, so NWCR allowed Bobrik access to the first floor of the building so that he could use an indoor elevator.

In 2003, a series of disputes arose between Bobrik and NWCR. In January 2003, a new tenant moved into the building housing the donation center. The new tenant replaced the first floor keypad access with a lock and key. For security reasons, the new tenant would not provide keys to NWCR employees, but Bobrik was still permitted to use the door to access the elevator. Mr. Bobrik complained that the door was sometimes not unlocked by the start of his shift at 7:00 A.M. NWCR responded by taking measures to help ensure that the door would be open by 7:00 A.M. Bobrik's supervisor began propping the door open himself to ensure Bobrik had access. In addition, NWCR assured Bobrik that he would not be considered tardy if he was late to work because he could not access the first floor door. There was no indication that Bobrik was ever forced to use the stairs. There was no indication that Bobrik was ever subject to adverse treatment as a result of his need to use the elevator.

In early February 2003, Bobrik suffered an unspecified injury to his back while working. Bobrik's doctor recommended two weeks of light duty work. Bobrik did not request additional accommodation from NWCR as a result of this recommendation. On February 21, 2003, NWCR announced a reorganization of its donation center staffing. Employees in Bobrik's position did not start work until 8:00 A.M., so Bobrik's issues regarding the first floor door became moot as a result of the change. However, the reorganization had the effect of placing the burden of loading and unloading vans on employees in Bobrik's position. At that very meeting, Bobrik immediately began to complain that he could not fulfill the new duties. Bobrik was asked if he would wait to discuss his limitations after the meeting. However, Bobrik declined to speak with supervisors afterwards.

On February 27, 2003, two supervisors approached Bobrik and provided him with a job description of his restructured position, and asked him to have a doctor address which duties he could not perform. Later that same day, Bobrik saw his doctor. Based on Bobrik's representation that NWCR would require him to work full time, regular duties, which involved bending and lifting, the doctor recommended four weeks off work. Bobrik stopped going to work, but did not inform NWCR that he would be taking leave. In response to a contact from Dr. Chilczuk, an NWCR human resources employee telephoned Bobrik on March 3, 2003. Bobrik stated that he could perform light duty work. The HR employee contacted Dr. Chilczuk to have him confirm Bobrik's eligibility for light duty work. Dr. Chilczuk responded that Bobrik would be ready for light duty work by approximately March 13, 2003.

In the meantime, NWCR employees contacted Bobrik to schedule a meeting to discuss possible accommodations for Mr. Bobrik under the reorganization plan. Mr. Bobrik attended a meeting with three NWCR supervisors on March 10, 2003. Bobrik called the main supervisor a 'bigot' and told him he would "do well as some commandant in a Nazi concentration camp." Bobrik walked out of the meeting without ever discussing his need for additional disability accommodation. Bobrik was forewarned that his leaving would be construed as a resignation. Bobrik left, and NWCR terminated his employment. Click HERE to read another Robert Bobrik federal lawsuit.

COFFMAN v. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE CO. was a 2002 West Virginia federal lawsuit involving a Jehovah's Witness named Frank H. Coffman, II. Coffman (age 53) was formerly a territory representative for Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a division of American Home Products Corporation. Coffman's duties included visits to health care professionals, pharmacies, and others. He also distributed samples, sold AHPC pharmaceutical products, and maintained account records. Coffman earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. Prior to serving as a Wyeth-Ayerst territory representative, he worked for two years as a Disability Claims Examiner for the West Virginia Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. While at Wyeth-Ayerst, Coffman participated in the Employees Group Insurance Program, which included short-term and long-term disability coverage through Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

In November 1996 Coffman ceased work after returning from a cruise with his wife. On December 19, 1996 Coffman executed a Statement of Claim for STD benefits. In April 1997, Coffman sought LTD benefits while review of his STD benefits claim was in progress at MetLife. On his Statement of Claim, Coffman asserted he was unable to engage in any gainful employment and could not return to work "until an effective treatment for my condition is found." The attending physician's Statement of Functional Capacity of May 2, 1997 listed Coffman's primary disabling condition as Chronic Fatique Syndrome and a secondary diagnosis of vertigo. Coffman and MetLife went back and forth vigorously, but on September 30, 1997, MetLife reversed itself and approved Coffman's claim for STD and LTD benefits up to September 30, 1997. The total amount of benefits received amounted to $7800.00 for STD and $14,678.39 for LTD. MetLife requested additional medical information to support the continuation of benefits after September 30, 1997. Thereafter, Coffman vigorously pursued his claim, and MetLife vigorously investigated such, including surveiling Coffman. The court record includes details of Coffman's travels out of the home to shop and attend Jehovah's Witness meetings and Conventions:

"MetLife placed him under video surveillance to document his physical activities. InPhoto Surveillance observed Coffman on September 24, 27, 28 and 29, and October 12, 1997. ..., on September 28, ... Coffman left home by 9:40 a.m. and drove himself and his wife the 14-minute trip from his house to the Charleston Civic Center to a church activity. The report notes Coffman "parked on the third level of the adjacent parking garage in a handicapped parking space next to the elevators." ... Coffman carried two tote bags into the Civic Center, where he remained for more than seven hours. At 5:07 p.m., Coffman returned to his car carrying the same two bags over his shoulder, along with a small cardboard box. He appears in no apparent discomfort, able to bend and very mobile. At 5:17 p.m., after driving himself and his wife to a restaurant 10 minutes away, he quickly walked through the rain into the restaurant, holding the door for his wife. Surveillance was discontinued at this point. ... On October 12, 1997 more surveillance was taken. Coffman left his house at 10:01 a.m. driving with his wife accompanying him as a passenger. Coffman traveled for 10 minutes to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Once parked, he is seen bent over his vehicle and lifting a large brief box, which he carried into the building. He left two hours later with the same brief box. He traveled to a local Captain D's, where he and his wife had lunch for about 45 minutes. He is seen standing in line to order, gets his food, eats and converses over lunch. He then left the restaurant and drove the car to Charleston Area Medical Center."

The end result was that MetLife concluded that Coffman was able to resume performing the duties of a territory representative. During this same period, Coffman had also pursued SSI Disability, which was initially denied, but later granted. As requested by Coffman, the employer exercised its oversight authority as plan sponsor to review MetLife's earlier claims decision. A request was made for MetLife to again fully review the claim. The memorandum recommended that the employer's "Retirement Committee" deny the appeal for lack of evidence of disability. On January 27, 1999 the Retirement Committee deferred its determination pending further review by the Employee Benefits and Law Departments and outside legal counsel. On April 6, 1999 the Retirement Committee upheld MetLife's determination. On August 20, 1999, after reviewing the information in the appeal file, MetLife also upheld its prior termination decision. On January 10, 2001 Coffman instituted this action. His four count Amended Complaint asserted claims against both AHPC and MetLife for (1) wrongful denial of benefits (Counts I and III); and (2) violation of the West Virginia Unfair Trade Practices Act (WVUTPA), West Virginia Code Sections 33-11-1 et seq. (Counts II and IV). Counts II and IV were previously dismissed as preempted by ERISA. See Coffman v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 138 F. Supp.2d 764, 766-67 (S.D.W. Va. 2001).

In the end, this USDC ruled in MetLife's favor: "Based on the present record and the parties' submissions, and accounting for an asserted conflict of interest, the Court cannot conclude Defendants acted unreasonably or lacked substantial evidence upon which to base their respective decisions. Accordingly, the inquiry ends. This action is DISMISSED ... ."

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RICHARDSON v. METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION was a 2003 Connecticut federal lawsuit filed by a African-American Jehovah's Witness named Tammy Richardson. Richardson alleged that her employer MDC unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against her on the basis of her race, religion, and sex. Richardson worked as a clerk in MDC's accounting department.

In September 1997, Richardson was involved in a non-work-related automobile accident that resulted in a 22% disability of her lower back. Richardson was out from work from September 20, 1997 through December 8, 1997. On several occasions between 1998 and 1999, Richardson took medical absences because of the injuries sustained in the accident. In October 1998, Richardson received an evaluation that rated her performance as unsatisfactory, based in part on her absences from work, and her annual increment was withheld. MDC placed Richardson on a six-month probationary period. All Richardson's prior evaluations were satisfactory. On March 31, 1999, Richardson left work on a medical leave of absence. On July 1, 1999, Richardson attempted to return to work, but her supervisor sent her home. On July 1, 1999, Richardson's chiropractor faxed a "Return to Work" form to MDC that explained that Richardson could return to regular duties with a few limitations: she could not lift or carry more than ten pounds; she should work half-days until further notice; and she requires chiropractic care twice a week. On July 9, 1999, when she returned from the March 31, 1999 medical leave, MDC reduced Richardson's responsibilities at work and elevated a less qualified white employee to her position. Richardson filed another "Return to Work" form on July 13, 1999 that stated she should only work part-time until July 23, 1999. On July 23, 1999, Richardson attended a Jehovah's Witness Convention. Richardson had requested the day off in March, and the supervisor approved the use of vacation time. On the day before the convention, the supervisor informed Richardson that he revoked his approval. When Richardson returned to work on July 26, 1999, MDC suspended her for two days without pay for her absence on July 23 and part-time attendance from July 12 through July 21. On August 6, 1999, Richardson filed a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Because of her medical absences, Richardson's six-month probationary period extended until August 1999. On August 30, 1999, MDC reviewed Richardson's performance and concluded that it continued to be unsatisfactory. Accordingly, MDC denied Richardson a step increment. Richardson took a medical absence for injuries from the accident and job-related stress on November 3, 1999, until her voluntary resignation on December 7, 1999, to accept another position elsewhere.

Richardson thereafter filed this lawsuit for money damages and equitable relief brought pursuant Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and the state common law of intentional infliction of emotional distress. Richardson alleged that the Metropolitan District Commission unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against her on the basis of her race, religion, and sex. On August 7, 2002, the district court granted partial summary judgment for the defendants on some of the plaintiff's claims. However, the case went forward on the issue of discrimination and retaliation on the basis of her sex. No further info is available, but at that point, defendents likely pursued a settlement.

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SHAFFER v. CORNING were two federal lawsuits (1998 and 2001) which involved a Jehovah's Witness named Edward J. Shaffer, Jr. Shaffer was employed by Corning from 1991 through 1999. In April 1998, as a result of depression and anxiety he was placed on a company approved short-term disability leave by his treating psychologist. In October 1998, 20 days before his leave expired, Shaffer filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Corning violated his civil rights by failing to accommodate his Jehovah's Witness religious beliefs. Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, Shaffer remained out of work on unpaid disability leave, while at the same time retaining his seniority benefits.

In August 1999, Shaffer enrolled full-time in college. In December 2000, Shaffer's first lawsuit was summarily dismissed. In January 2001, Shaffer received notice that he was terminated effective December 27, 1999. Corning did such despite his official unpaid sick leave status due to Corning's belief that enrolling full-time in college violated the terms of the leave. This action terminated Shaffer's health coverage and other seniority benefits. Thereafter, Shaffer filed a second federal lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this time alleging "retaliation". Corning's motion for summary judgment was denied, but trial outcome is unknown.

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HARRIS v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION was a 1998 Texas federal case involving a Jehovah's Witness named Johnny Harris. Harris worked as a tree trimmer, and after a fall in 1991, he applied for disability benefits, but was repeatedly denied by SSA, which led to Harris's filing this federal lawsuit. Somewhat surprising is Harris's introduction into the case of alleged "mental" problems:

Plaintiff asserts a mental impairment which, in combination to physical impairment, renders him disabled. Plaintiff's asserted mental impairment is the result of what he characterizes as a low IQ, depression, and migraine headaches. In fact, plaintiff's motion applauds plaintiff for attaining the position of foreman despite plaintiff's IQ of 77, and his having failed 3rd grade. ... Plaintiff's IQ results in what he terms an over-simplification of more complex issues and an inability to reflect or properly analyze questions. Plaintiff claims these deficiencies were apparent during the administrative hearing and in discussions with doctors or family members. ... Such a lack of intellect, plaintiff asserts, is a disability in itself, or, at a minimum, creates a disability in light of plaintiff's physical impairments.

The USDC affirmed in part and remanded in part, with these partial remarks:

Since his release from his doctor, he mows his yard, one acre, using a riding mower, helps clean house, folds clothes, studies photography, reads, conducts Bible study with his family, and is a part-time lay preacher for the Jehovah's Witnesses. He is not paid for church work. Back in 1991 and 1992 he saw a psychiatrist for depression but stopped going because he felt he was [not] being helped and because he had a bad reaction to medication. He has never been in a hospital for a mental problem and took Prozac for only about three months. Every now and then he lifts something too heavy, such as a chair or end of a table or tree limb. He drives once per day to either preach or just to ride and helps his wife with cleaning. The evidence as a whole supports a capacity to perform light work activity but not his past work as a tree trimming working foreman. His daily work activities further supports a light work capacity. There is substantial evidence that Harris' alleged mental impairment combined with his physical impairments would not be expected to interfere with his ability to work, considering his age, education or past work experience. A careful review of the ALJ's decision reveals that he found that Harris' physical impairments left him capable of engaging in light physical work activities, and that his alleged mental impairment was non-severe and did not prevent him from performing jobs in that range. That Harris could act as a lay preacher and regularly mow his lawn and engage in domestic duties support this conclusion.

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BLANCHARD v. FEDERAL EXPRESS was a 1995 Louisiana state Worker's Compensation case involving a Jehovah's Witness named Rodney Blanchard. Blanchard injured his back while loading and unloading packages as a part-time employee of FedEx. He was treated by Dr. Charles Strange for two herniated disks and released in April 1992 for light to medium level employment on a full-time basis. The hearing officer found that after January 27, 1993, FedEx did everything within its power to help Blanchard return to the labor market, but the evidence indicates and Blanchard's own testimony established the fact that he voluntarily removed himself from the labor force, not because of any disability, but because he simply did not wish to return to full-time employment.

Blanchard testified that he was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and that he had time consuming obligations as an Elder in his Kingdom Hall. He stated that he spent approximately one hour in door-to-door "canvassing" and two more hours performing other church-related duties every morning, five days a week; that he had "shepherding" duties from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and that he also had church obligations on Saturdays, Sundays, and sometimes on other weeknights. Plaintiff testified his job with Federal Express was part-time. He accepted and held the job because it did not conflict with his church obligations. Since the medical evidence did not support the conclusion that he continued to be totally disabled, either partially or permanently, the state court affirmed the state's discontinuance of benefits.

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IN THE MATTER OF DAVID GARCIA was a 1993 Florida court decision. In January 1993, 30 year-old mechanic David Garcia, Of Lake Worth, Florida, was severely injured when a tire he was changing exploded. The explosion ripped off one arm and did severe damage to the rest of his body, including his face, all of which required extensive skin and muscle grafts. Arriving unconscious at St. Mary's Hospital, Garcia was unable to communicate then, or afterwards due to heavy sedation. David's wife, Jane Garcia, informed the hospital that David and herself were Jehovah's Witnesses, and that blood transfusions would not be permitted. David was suffering from excessive blood loss, and would not survive without transfusions before, during, and after all the many surgeries his severe injuries would require.

David Garcia's parents and siblings, who were NOT Jehovah's Witnesses, were outraged. They immediately obtained legal counsel and petitioned the local court for guardianship and authorization to consent to all medical care necessary to save David's life. At the hearing, during which Jane Garcia did her best to fight against blood transfusions, David's family testified that David was NOT a Jehovah's Witness, had never joined the Jehovah's Witnesses, and had told them that he only attended WatchTower meetings to keep his JW wife happy. Doing such nearly cost David Garcia his life. The court granted Garcia's own father guardianship, with power to authorize all necessary medical care. Outcome unknown.

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IN RE BARTO TECHNICAL SERVICES was a 1995 Pennsylvania federal bankruptcy case in which certain debtors were objecting to the claim of a Jehovah's Witness named Christine Lawrence. Limited details. Christine McNeil Lawrence's deceased husband, Donald E. Lawrence Sr., 39, of Harrisburg, had reportedly been killed in an on-the-job accident at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Steelton, Pennsylvania plant in January 1991. A subsidiary of Barto apparently had manufactured the piece of equipment involved in his death. Apparently, after collecting all available insurance, Work Comp, government benefits, etc., this JW family (sons, Donald E. Lawrence Jr., and Ryan Lawrence, and two daughters, Lauren Lawrence and Erika Lawrence) were also going after "damages" from anyone else that could be linked to the death of Donald Lawrence. Outcome unknown.

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SIMMS v. SULLIVAN was a 1989 D.C. federal appellate court decision. Roscoe C. Simms was a 40 year-old Jehovah's Witness who lived in the Washington D.C. area. Having only an 11th grade education, Simms had worked various manual labor jobs, despite having lost a hand and forearm in a "hunting accident" when he was 15 years-old. Simms also claimed that he had injured his back on-the-job in 1977. Prior to filing for "total disability" with the Social Security Administration, Simms last worked in 1984, at a Hospital, where he acted as a supervisor in various maintenance departments.

As a Jehovah's Witness, Roscoe Simms admitted that he regularly performed recruiting activities for the JWs, including visiting homes and conducting home bible studies. Yet, he applied for "total disability benefits", and SSI, by claiming that he was unable to perform any job.

Simm's claim was denied at every SSA level. A vocational expert testified that Simms had "transferable skills including supervising, record keeping, and dispatching" that enable him to do certain kinds of "other work." The expert took into account Simm's "residual functional capacity for light work activity," the amputation of his left forearm, and his "inability to write for more than 15 minutes" with his right arm. With these limitations in mind, the expert offered several examples of work that Simms could perform: "service station manager, auto station attendant (without repairs), auto rental clerk, dispatcher of motor vehicles and security guard dispatcher." Even if limited only to "sedentary exertion," the expert said, Simms "would still be able to perform the work as an auto rental clerk and dispatcher." Thereafter, Roscoe Simms filed this federal lawsuit. The USDC granted the SSA's motion for summary judgment. On appeal, the USCA reversed and remanded with direction for the court to more fully develop the record as to Simm's disabilities and available occupations, if any.

The Employer's Insurer contended that Knight's benefits had been suspended because Knight failed to cooperate with an IME it wanted him to attend at the Cleveland Clinic, which was the premier pain clinic in the U.S. The Insurer denied that Knight needed the additional benefits which he was then seeking. In addition, Employer contended that Knight had failed to follow the recommendations of the health professionals who had been treating him. The Employer argued that it had approved the physicians and treatments that Knight had selected, "but after six years and nearly a million dollars in medical benefits, Knight was worse off in 2003, than he was several years ago." His then current treatment provided only temporary relief, and the prognosis of his physicians anticipated no improvement. The Employer argued that the care Knight was then presently receiving was not in his best interest, and it cited a body of medical evidence in the record indicating that Knight needed a multi-disciplinary pain management approach to his care, which was formulated by a team of health professionals who are expert in treating CRPS. The Employer therefore sought an order authorizing changes in the care and treatment regime Knight was receiving. Employer also interposed a defense under Section 8(f) of the Longshore Act in the event Knight was found permanently and totally disabled.

In 2003, the ALJ ruled that Knight would receive reimbursement for all expenses and benefits for the period that the Insurer had suspended such, plus some other incident treatments/benefits were to be provided by the Insurer. However, per Insurer's request, the ALJ ordered Knight to be admitted to the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, in order to be examined, evaluated, and treated by a Dr. Michael Stanton-Hicks. Stanton-Hicks was a professor and head of pain services at the Cleveland Clinic, and was one of the world's most renowned experts and prolific writers on RSD. The ALJ ordered that after such examination that the Insurer would not have to pay for any treatments, medications, etc. which were not prescribed by Dr. Hicks. Knight was evaluated by the Cleveland Clinic in June 2003. Stanton-Hicks diagnosed derangement of the left knee, with "questionable symptoms of superimposed CRPS", and recommended a course of treatments which could be prescribed by Dr. Green back in Florida. Neither Knight nor Green agreed with everything Stanton-Hicks recommended, and apparently, additional treatments were followed, which the Insurer refused to reimburse per the 2003 ALJ Order. Those additional expenses were the subject of a second (or possibly more) ALJ hearing in 2005, which for the most part ruled in the Insurer's favor.

The following Excerpt from 2003 ALJ Order should be very educational for employers, insurers, physicians, etc, because it demonstrates many Jehovah's Witness' attitude about mental health professionals. (The WatchTower Society had a history of doing everything it could, short of excommunication, from dissuading JWs from seeking the help of the mental health industry. It has been only within the past couple decades that JWs could seek the help of mental health professionals without being ostracized or even shunned by their fellow JWs. Why the change? Necessity. Depending on the type of mental illness involved, some studies have shown that Jehovah's Witnesses have higher incidents of illness than does the general population -- ranging from 150% to 300% for various types of mental illnesses.)

Psychological Evaluation

Now, one aspect of the pain clinic model which is likely to cause some difficulty, as this record demonstrates rather clearly, is the consideration of the factors which may involve the services of a psychologist. Drs. Hardy, Koslowski, Tandron, Rowe, Pulley, Eichberg, and Barsa all believed that Knight would benefit from a pain management team approach including a psychological component, and Dr. Hooshmand indicated that he would have no objection to an evaluation of any potential psychological aspects of Claimant's condition. Yet, Knight remains adamantly resistant to the notion that there may be a psychiatric or psychological component to his present condition, and except to the extent discussed below, his objections are unreasonable.

Thus, Knight was asked at the hearing whether he would willingly undergo psychological evaluation and treatment. He testified;

"No, because I grew up, my uncle is a psychologist and I'm well experienced. I studied psychology all through school and I'm quite familiar with it and I have, you know, an understanding of what it's based on. And a lot of it is not based on science. It's not based on fact. That's why a psychologist can not prescribe medicine. Only a psychiatrist can. And it's like some of the things that Dr. Willmer or Wittmer said I totally disagree with. His attitude was that if I came from a, I'll use the term dysfunctional family, then I'm potentially going to be a dysfunctional person the rest of my life, no matter what, no matter what I want to be. That's like saying that once somebody, you know, shows any personal character flaw at all, it can never change, that they can never be a better person, even if they desire to. Well, that's just silly.

And my bible based education [JW buzz phrase referring to the "education" that the WatchTower Society provides Jehovah's Witnesses via its' literature and "meetings".] tells me that there's much more value in other types of therapy. And no doctor has recommended that for me."

Although several doctors have recommended a team approach to his problem, including the involvement of a psychologist, Knight, based upon his high school study of psychology, seemed inclined to self-diagnose his condition and report:

"I don't see any need for that because there's no problems that are based in that area, you know... ."

Other experts are not so sure.

I am mindful that Knight also suggested that, as a Jehovah's Witness, he had religious beliefs which conflicted with certain aspects of psychological or psychiatric treatment and stated that OWCP advised him that if his "beliefs disagree with that, you don't have to submit to the treatment..." Knight explained that some forms of psychiatric and psychological care "violate his religious beliefs."

As previously recognized, however, to the extent that a particular aspect of mental health evaluation, counseling, or treatment is inconsistent with the religious convictions of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Knight reasonably may refuse to cooperate or participate in that specific aspect of the examination or treatment modality. Any such refusal, however, must be grounded, in good faith, upon the tenets of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Beyond that, Knight's general objections to the involvement of a psychologist or other mental health professional in his evaluation, care, or treatment, based upon his high school studies or his personal misunderstandings about the science and theories of psychology or his belief that "there are no problems in this area," are not reasonable and do not justify a refusal to cooperate. ... ...

Footnote 23. The record shows, for example, that Knight was reluctant to, and in fact did not, meet with Rick Robinson, the vocational expert, in part because he thought that Robinson was a mental health counselor. Knight testified:

"... the letter he sent to me had one, I think one set of initials next to his name, you know, like a credential abbreviation, but the letters he sent to my doctors that he referenced today, he sent them some questionnaires, he had like six abbreviations of credentials, including one that said, I think it's LMHC, which is supposed to stand for licensed mental health counselor and that was a concern because I didn't really agree with that type of counsel and I wasn't sure if that's what I was being sent there for because they had misrepresented to me a couple of times... ."

The following excerpt is from the section of the 2003 ALJ Order directing Knight to be admitted to the Cleveland Clinic. No surrounding explanation was given in the ALJ Order, but readers should first read the PEDROZA v. CINTAS CORP, GROESSLER v. CINEMARK USA, and the "Gregory West" summaries all posted on the Miscellaneous Lawsuits I page.

"For purposes of this visit, Claimant will not be authorized to tape record, either audio or video, any aspect of his evaluation, care, or treatment at the Clinic unless such recording is consistent with Clinic policies applicable to other patients. Further, if Claimant wishes to travel with a companion, he may do so at his own expense; however, a visitor or companion may accompany Claimant to any evaluation, examination, or treatment session at the Clinic only to the extent that the presence of a third party is consistent with Clinic policy applicable under similar circumstances to other patients."

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RECOMMENDED READING:

Short BIBLE TOPIC Readings Selected For Those With Jehovah's Witnesses Backgrounds

Wifely Subjection: Mental Health Issues in Jehovah's Witness Women

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Problem of Mental Illness

The Theocratic War Doctrine: Why Jehovah's Witnesses Lie In Court

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