David Smith Bates, Esq.'s Client, a Cancer Patient, Sues U.S. Bank, Alleging He Was Fired for Needing Time Off for Treatment

Business Wire, April 23, 2008

U.S. Bank Account Manager Alleges Bank Fired Him under False Pretenses

CORONA, Calif. -- David Smith Bates, Esq.'s client, a Corona, Calif. man and cancer patient, George Barron, has filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Court alleging he was wrongfully terminated after he asked for time off to treat a cancer condition. Barron contends that defendant, Delaware-based U.S. Bank (a national bank), fired him for failing to follow account handling procedures as an excuse to get rid of him because of his cancer condition. Barron had been employed as an Account Manager for U.S. Bank for more than three years.

Barron also alleges that U.S. Bank employees made disparaging remarks among themselves in front of him because of his cancer condition. He also claims the defendant placed false accusations in his personnel file to reinforce the bank's decision to terminate him. Barron is also seeking reimbursement for all legal fees incurred because of the suit.

Prior to being hired at U.S. Bank, Barron, 52, was employed with Calif.-based Wells Fargo Bank (a national bank). Barron came on board with Wells Fargo in 1995 and quickly climbed the ranks, being promoted to assistant manager and then manager. Barron, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, was also fired the same year from Wells Fargo Bank he alleges due to his illness.

Barron, who worked for Wells Fargo for ten years, said he would have filed a lawsuit then after being fired as a result of his illness. However, he said he wanted to remain in the banking industry and did not want to call undue attention to his situation.

Barron is being represented by Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based attorney, David Smith Bates. Bates has been practicing law for 41 years and specializes in representing wrongfully terminated employees, employees who have been discriminated against and sexual harassment.

For more information regarding this case, please call David Smith Bates at 310.546.8586 or email Lawdsb@aol.com.