A federal jury heard opening arguments on Monday for a discrimination lawsuit filed against the Harlingen Medical Center, its parent company and a supervisor.
Former patient registration employee Pamela Crespo alleges that she was fired in September 2006 based on her nationality.
Court records show that the Cameron County woman alleges that her former supervisor Vanessa Carter repeatedly called an employee a “cheap d*** Mexican”.
Crespo’s lawsuit alleges that Carter took things a step further during one incident by pushing her when they crossed paths in the hallway of the hospital.
The lawsuit also accuses Carter of slapping Crespo twice in the face.
Crespo claims the alleged incidents took place at work during normal business hours.
The Cameron County woman claims she started working at the Harlingen Medical Center in Septemer 2005 and got satisfactory job performances but was terminated in September 2006.
Court records show that Crespo filed a Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint and was give a “Right To Sue” letter in August 2007.
A jury was selected in the case on earlier this month.
The jury heard opening arguments before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen in Brownsville on Monday morning.
Calls to attorneys on both sides of the case were not immediately returned on Monday morning.
Action 4 News will continue to follow the case.
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