Court Opinion

ID: 2689523
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-01 19:39:07.716986+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:51:01.382476
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Roghelia v. Hopedale Mining, L.L.C., 2014-Ohio-2935.]

                           STATE OF OHIO, HARRISON COUNTY

                                 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

                                       SEVENTH DISTRICT

RICHARD ROGHELIA,                                 )
                                                  )       CASE NO.     13 HA 8
        PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT,                      )
                                                  )
VS.                                               )       OPINION
                                                  )
HOPEDALE MINING, LLC,                             )
                                                  )
        DEFENDANT-APPELLEE.                       )

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDINGS:                                 Civil Appeal from Common Pleas Court,
                                                          Case No. CVH-2009-0055.

JUDGMENT:                                                 Reversed and Remanded.

APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellant:                                  Attorney Patrick Cassidy
                                                          Attorney Timothy Cogan
                                                          The First State Capitol
                                                          1413 Eoff Street
                                                          Wheeling, West Virginia 26003-3582

For Defendant-Appellee:                                   Attorney Erik Schramm
                                                          46457 National Road West
                                                          St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950

JUDGES:
Hon. Joseph J. Vukovich
Hon. Cheryl L. Waite
Hon. Mary DeGenaro

                                                          Dated: June 23, 2014
[Cite as Roghelia v. Hopedale Mining, L.L.C., 2014-Ohio-2935.]
VUKOVICH, J.

        {¶1}    Plaintiff-appellant Rick Roghelia appeals from the decision of the
Harrison County Common Pleas Court granting defendant-appellee Hopedale
Mining, LLC’s motion for directed verdict. Three assignments of error are raised in
this appeal. Under the first assignment of error, Roghelia argues that the trial court
erred in finding as a matter of law that Roghelia was not perceived as disabled. In
his second assignment of error, he asserts that the trial court erred when it indicated
that the fact that the employer accommodated Roghelia meant that it did not perceive
him as disabled. In his last assignment of error, Roghelia contends that the trial court
erred when it concluded that no reasonable jury could find that the reason for
terminating Roghelia was based on a perceived disability and could only conclude
that Roghelia violated the employer’s absenteeism policy.
        {¶2}    Considering the arguments and the facts presented at trial, we hold that
the trial court erred in granting Hopedale Mining’s motion for a directed verdict. In
granting this motion, the trial court used the wrong standard. It found that reasonable
minds could only conclude that Hopedale Mining did not perceive Roghelia as being
disabled so that his impairment substantially limited a major life activity. This is the
incorrect statement of the law. Scalia v. Aldi, Inc., 9th Dist. No. 25346, 2011-Ohio-
6596; R.C. 4112.01(A)(13). Roghelia only had to show that the Mine perceived him
as disabled; the perception of a disability does not need to be qualified as an
impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Scalia; R.C. 4112.01(A)(13).
Furthermore, given the evidence presented at trial, whether Roghelia was perceived
as disabled was a question for the jury and so was whether his termination was
based on that perception or if it was based on his alleged violation of the employer’s
absenteeism policy. For those reasons, which are more fully explained below, the
judgment of the trial court is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial.
                                      Statement of the Case
        {¶3}    Roghelia was hired by Hopedale Mining in January 2004. On February
27, 2006, while roof bolting, Roghelia amputated his left thumb.         Following that
accident, Roghelia returned to work. The record shows upon his return he solely
                                                                                       -2-

worked as a shuttle car operator from August 23, 2006 to December 6, 2006. At that
point, he was moved to an out-by out-by laborer, which encompassed a myriad of
jobs. On April 3, 2007, a second surgery was performed on his left hand to help with
the pain Roghelia still encountered because of the loss of his thumb. He was off
work for two weeks.
       {¶4}   Roghelia was scheduled to work on May 15, 2007. He claims that he
called in that day to report off for his entire shift rotation, which would have been four
days. On May 22, 2007, after seeing a doctor, he faxed a doctor’s excuse that
indicated that he would be off until May 28, 2007. He admits that he did not call in
any other day to report off.
       {¶5}   On May 24, 2007, Roghelia received a letter advising him that due to
his absenteeism, his employment with Hopedale Mining was terminated. On May 26,
2009, Roghelia filed a complaint against Hopedale Mining asserting that it
discriminated against him based on his disability or a perceived disability.
       {¶6}   On April 22, 2011, Hopedale Mining moved for summary judgment.
Roghelia responded to the summary judgment on May 3, 2011. On June 14, 2013,
the motion for summary judgment was denied on the basis that there were genuine
issues of material fact.
       {¶7}   The jury trial began on July 20, 2013.              Following Roghelia’s
presentation of his case, Hopedale Mining moved for a directed verdict. The trial
court granted the motion. It found that Roghelia had not established that he was
disabled and that Hopedale Mining did not regard him as disabled.              The court
indicated that the evidence established that Roghelia had a cavalier attitude
concerning his employer’s requirements for reporting off work and providing doctor’s
excuses. 08/02/13 J.E. Roghelia timely appeals from that decision.
                                   Standard of Review
       {¶8}   A trial court's decision granting a motion for directed verdict presents a
question of law, which an appellate court reviews de novo. Carter v. R & B Pizza
Co., Inc., 7th Dist. No. 09JE34, 2010-Ohio-5937, ¶ 15. The applicable standard of
review for a directed verdict is set forth in Civ.R. 50(A)(4):
                                                                                     -3-

             When granted on the evidence. When a motion for a directed
      verdict has been properly made, and the trial court, after construing the
      evidence most strongly in favor of the party against whom the motion is
      directed, finds that upon any determinative issue reasonable minds
      could come to but one conclusion upon the evidence submitted and that
      conclusion is adverse to such party, the court shall sustain the motion
      and direct a verdict for the moving party as to that issue.
Civ.R. 50.
                               First Assignment of Error
      {¶9}   “The court erred in finding as a matter of law that Roghelia was not
perceived, or regarded as, disabled.”
      {¶10} This assignment of error is focused solely on the trial court’s
determination that there was no evidence that, if believed, would lead to the
conclusion that Roghelia was terminated based on a perceived disability.
      {¶11} R.C. 4112.02(A) provides that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice
for an employer to terminate an employee based on disability. “’Disability’ means a
physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life
activities, including the functions of caring for one's self, performing manual tasks,
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working; a record of a
physical or mental impairment; or being regarded as having a physical or mental
impairment.” R.C. 4112.01(A)(13).
      {¶12} In McGlone, the Ohio Supreme Court set forth what was needed to
establish a prima facie case of disability discrimination. The party seeking relief must
demonstrate (1) that he or she has a disability, “(2) that an adverse employment
action was taken by an employer, at least in part, because the individual was
[disabled], and (3) that the person, though [disabled], can safely and substantially
perform the essential functions of the job in question.” Columbus Civ. Serv. Comm.
v. McGlone, 82 Ohio St.3d 569, 571, 697 N.E.2d 204 (1998). Once an employee
establishes a prima facie case of disability discrimination, “the burden then shifts to
the employer to set forth some legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the action
                                                                                       -4-

taken.” Hood v. Diamond Products, Inc., 74 Ohio St.3d 298, 658 N.E.2d 738 (1996).
If the employer does so, “then the employee * * * must demonstrate that the
employer's stated reason was a pretext for impermissible discrimination.” Id.
       {¶13} For our purposes, that rule is slightly modified since we are not dealing
with a claimed disability, but rather an alleged perception of a disability.        Thus,
Roghelia had to show that he was perceived as disabled, that he was terminated
based on that perception, and that he could perform the essential functions of the job
despite that perception.
       {¶14} The first prong of this test is a perceived disability. The parties here
consistently state that the test is whether the employer regards or perceives an
employee as substantially limited in a major life activity. The trial court also used this
test to determine whether to grant the directed verdict. In its judgment entry, it states,
“The Court found that in reviewing the evidence relevant to this branch, reasonable
minds could only conclude that the employer defendant did not regard Plaintiff as
having an impairment which limited or was perceived to limit a major life activity.”
08/02/13 J.E.
       {¶15} According to the Ninth Appellate District. this is an incorrect statement
of the law as to a perceived disability. Scalia v. Aldi, Inc., 9th Dist. No. 25436, 2011-
Ohio-6596, ¶24. In 2011, the Ninth Appellate District explained that under a plain
reading of R.C. 4112.01(A)(13), a plaintiff must show that the employer regarded her
as having a mental or physical impairment, but without regard to whether the
employer regarded her as substantially limited in her daily life activities as a result.
Id. at ¶24. Thus, the perception of a disability does not need to be qualified with
impairment of a major life activity. In making this holding, the Ninth Appellate District
indicated that pre-2008 federal cases could not be looked at because the federal law
at that time as to a perceived disability was different than Ohio law. Thus, federal
case law would not provide a guide as to deciding a perceived disability under Ohio
law. In reaching this holding, the Ninth Appellate District explained:
                In reliance on McGlone, Ohio Courts have continued to
       reference federal caselaw interpreting the ADA with respect to claims
                                                                               -5-

alleging perceived disability discrimination under R.C. 4112.02.
Consequently, when the United States Supreme Court held that the
ADA prohibited discrimination when “(1) a covered entity mistakenly
believes that a person has a physical impairment that substantially
limits one or more major life activities, or (2) a covered entity mistakenly
believes that an actual, nonlimiting impairment substantially limits one
or more major life activities,” Sutton v. United Air Lines, Inc. (1999), 527
U.S. 471, 489, 119 S.Ct. 2139, 144 L.Ed.2d 450, Ohio Courts of
appeals applied the same standard to claims for perceived disability
arising under R.C. 4112.02. See, e.g., Hershberger v. Altercare, Inc.,
5th Dist. No. 2006CA00167, 2007–Ohio–1452, at ¶ 58; Hart v.
Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch Printing Co., 10th Dist. No. 02AP–506,
2002–Ohio–6963, at ¶ 30.
       We are not convinced, however, that this analysis is accurate
because the federal statute and the Ohio statute at issue in those cases
were inconsistent. In Genaro v. Cent. Transport (1999), 84 Ohio St.3d
293, 703 N.E.2d 782, the Ohio Supreme Court refined its earlier
position regarding the use of federal law to interpret R.C. 4112.02.
Specifically, the Court concluded that federal materials could not be
used in every situation under R.C. Chapter 4112, but only when the
terms of the federal statute are consistent with Ohio law or when R.C.
Chapter 4112 leaves a term undefined. Id. at 298, 703 N.E.2d 782.
       While the Supreme Court's statements in McGlone are
consistent with Genaro because the version of R.C. Chapter 4112
considered in McGlone did not define “regarded as” disability
discrimination, R.C. 4112.01(A)(13) has since been amended. It now
defines a disability, in part, as “a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life activities * * * or being
regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.” At the time of Ms.
Scalia's employment, the ADA, on the other hand, defined disability, in
                                                                                 -6-

part, as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities of such individual * * * [or] being regarded as
having such an impairment.” (Emphasis added.) Section 12102(2)(C),
Title 42, U.S.Code. The definition of disability under the ADA was
therefore similar, but with one significant difference: the inclusion of the
word “such” had the effect of defining perceived disability as being
regarded as having an impairment that substantially limits one or more
major life activities. See Sutton, 527 U.S. at 489, quoting Section
12102(2)(C), Title 42, U.S.Code. (“Under subsection (C), individuals
who are ‘regarded as' having a disability are disabled within the
meaning of the ADA. See § 12102(2)(C). Subsection (C) of this version
of the statute provides that having a disability includes ‘being regarded
as having,’ § 12102(2)(C), ‘a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such
individual,’ § 12102(2)(A).”) In contrast, under a plain reading of R.C.
4112.01(A)(13), a plaintiff must show that the employer regarded her as
having a mental or physical impairment, but without regard to whether
the employer regarded her as substantially limited in her daily life
activities as a result.
       Because the plain language of the definition of disability
contained in R.C. 4112.01 differs in substance from the ADA [federal
law], it is not appropriate to look to federal materials interpreting the
pre–2008 ADA with respect to perceived disability claims under Ohio
law. See, generally, Genaro, 84 Ohio St.3d at 297–98, 703 N.E.2d 782.
Consequently, Ms. Scalia need not demonstrate that Aldi perceived her
as being substantially limited in a major life activity, but that it perceived
her as having “a physical or mental impairment[ ]” as defined by Ohio
law. R.C. 4112.01(A)(13). To the extent that the trial court required Ms.
Scalia to demonstrate that Aldi perceived her as having an impairment
                                                                                       -7-

       that substantially limited a major life activity, therefore, its decision was
       in error.
Scalia v. Aldi, Inc., 9th Dist. No. 25436, 2011-Ohio-6596, ¶ 22-25.
       {¶16} We find this reasoning to be persuasive and applicable. In Scalia, the
employee was terminated prior to 2008, which is the same as Roghelia.
       {¶17} Furthermore, it also noted that in 2008, partly in response to the Sutton
decision, the ADA was amended and the definition of “disability” now conforms with
the current version of R.C. 4112.01(A)(13)'s definition of a perceived disability. The
ADA currently states, “An individual meets the requirement of ‘being regarded as
having such an impairment’ if the individual establishes that he or she has been
subjected to an action prohibited under this chapter because of an actual or
perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is
perceived to limit a major life activity.” 42 U.S.C. 12102(3)(A)
       {¶18} Consequently, based on the above, we hold that the test for a
perceived disability is not whether the disability is perceived to limit a major life
activity, but rather whether there is a perception of the disability. Therefore, the trial
court erred in using the incorrect test.
       {¶19} That said, application of the wrong test does not necessarily mean that
a directed verdict should not have been granted. Thus, we will review the evidence
using the correct standard to determine whether reasonable minds could or could not
find that Hopedale Mining perceived Roghelia as disabled.           If when viewing the
evidence in the light most favorable to Roghelia, using the correct standard for
perceived disability, we find that reasonable minds could not find that Roghelia was
perceived as disabled, then the directed verdict could be affirmed.
       {¶20} Prior to discussing the testimony, it is noted that there was discussion
at trial as to whether Roghelia was an “out-by laborer” or whether he was an “out-by
out-by laborer.”   This was discussed because each position has different jobs.
Hopedale Mining claimed he was an out-by out-by laborer, while Roghelia stated he
was an out-by laborer. However, when shown the job description for an out-by out-
by laborer, Roghelia testified that what he called an out-by laborer met the
                                                                                    -8-

description of what Hopedale Mining called an out-by out-by laborer position. Tr.
222.
              Q. And that was a different job you’re calling out-by but people
       get confused because the mine had two different out-by job
       descriptions.
              A. Yes, they had section out-by and then an out-by.
              Q. Okay. And that’s the job description that says for an out-by
       out-by laborer. Would you look at it and see if that’s the job you did?
              A. Yes, I did do these jobs.
              Q. Alright. You think that adequately describes the job that you
       performed as what I’m calling out-by out-by laborer and some people
       have called just an out-by laborer?
              A. Yes.
Tr. 222.
       {¶21} Thus, both parties were talking about the same job.          Therefore, in
reviewing the directed verdict ruling, there is no issue with regards to Roghelia’s job
title and the description of his job; he was an out-by out-by laborer.
       {¶22} Our attention now turns to the testimony and evidence about whether
Roghelia was perceived as disabled.          Bruce Hann, vice president of the Ohio
operations for Rhino Energy which includes Hopedale Mining, testified that at the
time of Roghelia’s termination, Roghelia was an out-by out-by laborer and that while
he assumed that Roghelia had some pain occasionally, he did not perceive Roghelia
as disabled. Tr. 78. Hann’s testimony also included statements that when in late
2006 he learned that Roghelia was struggling with doing the shuttle car operator
position because of pain in his hand, he had him moved to the out-by out-by position
so that Roghelia could be accommodated better. Tr. 84. Hann indicated that in the
out-by out-by position he could take a break when he needed to or he could be
moved to a different job more easily. He indicated that he did that to try to help
Roghelia, not penalize him. Tr. 84.
                                                                                       -9-

       {¶23} Frederick Zirkle, Administration Manager at Hopedale Mining, also
testified. He avowed that Roghelia, because of his injury, could not roof bolt, which
seems to be an out-by category “job”, but he seemed to indicate that Roghelia could
do all other jobs in the out-by out-by laborer category. Tr. 147-148. The testimony
shows that after coming back from workers’ compensation leave, Roghelia was
accommodated by being assigned to run the shuttle car. The testimony also shows
that Roghelia had some pain in completing that task, however, he indicated it was
nothing he could not put up with. Roghelia was eventually moved from that position
and did the tasks of out-by out-by laborers. Nothing in Zirkle’s testimony indicates
that he perceived Roghelia as being disabled. It appears that they believed he could
perform all job tasks in the out-by out-by category. Tr. 345-347.
       {¶24} Roghelia also testified. He indicated that he could perform all jobs of
out-by out-by laborer. Tr. 344-347. He testified that if his hand hurt that people
helped out. Tr. 250. He indicated that he did not know if any employee complained
about helping him out, but it could have happened. Tr. 250-251.
       {¶25} The above testimony shows that the company made accommodations.
However, as the next assignment of error explains, accommodations of this type
alone do not show a perception of disability. Furthermore, it does not appear that the
above testimony raises a question as to the mine’s position that it did not perceive
him disabled.
       {¶26} That said, in addition to the above testimony, there are a couple of e-
mails that each party focuses on to determine whether there was any evidence of a
perceived disability. The first one is in regards to the shuttle car position. This e-mail
states that when Roghelia is released to work on November 28, 2006, he will not be
able to return to his previous job of out-by laborer and is released to perform all the
functions of a shuttle car operator. Exhibit 7. Only being released to this position,
which the Mine testified was not a classified position, but rather that out-by out-by
laborers performed this position, might be an indication that the Mine viewed him as
disabled and only able to perform this job. However, as explained above, he was
moved from this position within a month to the out-by out-by laborer position and
                                                                                   -10-

there were no complaints from the Mine about his job performance in that position.
Thus, potentially this e-mail could also show that Roghelia was not perceived as
disabled.
       {¶27} The second e-mail is the one concerning his termination. Hann wrote
an email to Dave Zatezalo about Roghelia’s absences in May and missing the last
two rotations. Hann indicated that Roghelia could not be reached by phone. The e-
mail shows the absences from 2004 through 2007, some of which were covered by
workers’ compensation. In response to this e-mail, Zatezalo wrote, “I am OK with
this, but be careful as you know his background injury wise.” Exhibit 12.
       {¶28} This e-mail could be viewed two different ways. On one hand, it could
show a perception of Roghelia being disabled because it references his injury. On
the other hand, it is possible that the statement in the e-mail is just intended to make
sure everything is done correctly; the head of the company may have been making a
statement to make sure everything is done correctly because of the employee’s
injuries in the past. Where there has been a work place injury and then a later
termination, an employer may want to make sure everything is done correctly in the
termination because the existence of a prior injury may raise an argument, whether
valid or invalid, of wrongful termination.
       {¶29} When considering the e-mails in conjunction with the testimony,
reasonable minds could reach different conclusions on whether Roghelia was
perceived as disabled.      Thus, the issue of whether Roghelia was perceived as
disabled is a question for the tier of fact.
       {¶30} In conclusion, this assignment of error has merit. The trial court used
the wrong standard for determining perceived disability.       Furthermore, given the
evidence in this particular case, reasonable minds could reach different conclusions
on whether Roghelia was perceived as disabled.
                               Second Assignment of Error
       {¶31} “The trial court inverted the logic of the act prohibiting discrimination
based upon the perception of disability when it indicated that the fact that the
employer accommodated Roghelia meant that it did not perceive him as disabled.”
                                                                                  -11-

       {¶32} This assignment of error is closely related to the first assignment of
error. The trial court indicated that the fact that the Mine accommodated Roghelia
meant that it did not perceive him as disabled. Roghelia claims that this inverts the
logic of the act.
       {¶33} As aforementioned, there is evidence of accommodation. First, when
Roghelia came back he was placed solely as a shuttle car operator. That was an
accommodation because the Mine admits that there is not a specific job title for
shuttle car operator; rather it is a job of an out-by out-by laborer. After a month he
was moved to out-by out-by laborer. While he was in this position if his hand started
hurting, he was permitted to take a break or they would move him to a different job.
Roghelia argues that this demonstrates he was accommodated.
       {¶34} The question we must answer is whether an accommodation of this
type, or any accommodation for that matter, shows a perception of a disability.
       {¶35} In 2002, we stated that, “[A] perceived disability cannot be established
by a mere showing that the employer attempted to accommodate the employees
perceived needs.” Lanterman v. Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc., 7th Dist. No. 01CO54,
2002-Ohio-5224, ¶ 23 (Other than the accommodation e-mails between company
management, Lanterman offers no evidence that CG perceived him as disabled.
Affirming grant of summary judgment.), citing Weigert v. Georgetown University
(D.D.C.2000), 120 F.Supp.2d 1.      Likewise, the Tenth Appellate District has also
rejected the argument that merely making an accommodation is evidence that the
employer regarded the employee as disabled. Myers v. McGrath, 10th Dist. No.
06AP-616, 2007-Ohio-3228, ¶ 18 (using the Sixth Circuit decision in Plant v. Morton
Intl., 212 F.3d 929 (C.A.6, 2000) and its prior decision in DeBolt v. Eastman Kodak
Co., 146 Ohio App.3d 474, 2001-Ohio-3996, ¶ 61 to support its position that
accommodations alone are insufficient to demonstrate that the employer regarded
the employee as disabled).
       {¶36} These results are logical. To find otherwise would mean that any time
any sort of work place accommodation is made for the employee this automatically
results in a conclusion that is perceived as disabled for purposes of disability
                                                                                     -12-

discrimination. Therefore, merely showing that an employee was accommodated is
not sufficient to prove that the employer regarded the employee as disabled.
       {¶37} Here, if only the accommodation is considered, there is not enough
evidence to show a perception of disability. However, as discussed above, when
considering the emails, potentially a different result could be reached. Therefore, this
assignment of error is meritless.
                               Third Assignment of Error
       {¶38} “The trial court erred in finding that no reasonable jury could find that
the stated reason for terminating Roghelia was that a forbidden factor, such as a
record of disability – or a perception of disability – was a determining factor in the
employee’s termination and could only conclude that Roghelia had violated the
employer’s absenteeism policy.”
       {¶39} Under this assignment of error, Roghelia asserts that assuming he
established a prima facie case of perceived disability discrimination, the trial court
erred in finding his disability was not a determining factor for his termination.
       {¶40} As stated above, once an employee establishes a prima facie case of
perceived disability discrimination, “the burden then shifts to the employer to set forth
some legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the action taken.” Hood, 74 Ohio St.3d
298. If the employer does so, “then the employee * * * must demonstrate that the
employer's stated reason was a pretext for impermissible discrimination.” Id.
       {¶41} To establish pretext, the plaintiff must demonstrate the proffered reason
“(1) has no basis in fact, (2) did not actually motivate the employer's challenged
conduct, or (3) was insufficient to warrant the challenged conduct.” Sweet v. Abbott
Foods, Inc., 10th Dist. No. 04AP–1145, 2005–Ohio–6880, ¶ 34, quoting Manzer v.
Diamond Shamrock Chems. Co., 29 F.3d 1078, 1084 (6th Cir.1994).                 “A reason
cannot be proved to be a pretext for discrimination unless it is shown both that the
reason was false, and that discrimination was the real reason.” Knepper v. The Ohio
State Univ., 10th Dist. No. 10AP–1155, 2011-Ohio-6054, ¶ 12, citing St. Mary's
Honor Ctr. v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 515, 113 S.Ct. 2742 (1993). The plaintiff always
has the ultimate burden of persuading the trier of fact that the defendant intentionally
                                                                                   -13-

discriminated against him. Ohio Univ. v. Ohio Civ. Rights Comm., 175 Ohio App.3d
414, 2008-Ohio-1034, 887 N.E.2d 403, ¶ 67 (4th Dist.), quoting Texas Dept. of
Community Affairs v. Burdine, 450 U.S. 248, 253, 101 S.Ct. 1089, 67 L.Ed.2d 207
(1981).
      {¶42} Hopedale Mining contends that it terminated Roghelia based on his
absenteeism and that this was not a pretext. The trial court agreed and found that
there was no evidence to support the conclusion that even if Roghelia was regarded
as disabled, that he was terminated based on that perception, rather than on his
absenteeism:
                * * * The evidence established that Mr. Roghelia had a cavalier
      attitude concerning his employer’s requirements for “reporting off work”
      and providing doctor’s excuses and that he violated his employer’s
      attendance policy.
                At the time that Plaintiff’s employment with Hopedale Mining LLC
      was terminated, he had called in on the first day of a four day rotation
      but had not spoken to his supervisor or followed up with a doctor’s
      excuse.      Although Plaintiff faxed a doctor’s excuse to the mine the
      evening before his next rotation started, Plaintiff did not make personal
      contact with his employer concerning the second rotation he was going
      to miss. Mr. Roghelia was temporarily assigned to “light duty” in the
      hoist house when he was terminated for his “poor attendance.” (See
      Plaintiff’s Exhibit 19.)
08/02/13 J.E.
      {¶43} At trial, Hopedale Mining indicated that Roghelia had absenteeism
problems and that he was previously counseled about them. On one occasion where
Roghelia was off for three weeks in 2005, he had a doctor’s excuse that provided no
reason for the time off, but excused him from work from August 14, 2005 to
September 8, 2005. Tr. 194-195. Roghelia believes that this was due to high blood
pressure and he was under doctor’s instruction to relax. Tr. 195. During this period,
Roghelia went away and got married. Tr. 195. There is a letter that was admitted as
                                                                                  -14-

Exhibit 13 that indicates that on August 29, 2005, the Mine considered him on FMLA
leave. Exhibit 14 is a signed slip by D. Atkins of the Mine indicating he counseled
Roghelia about his absenteeism on September 12, 2005. Roghelia asserted he was
never counseled and that he had never seen this slip before the lawsuit was filed. Tr.
198.   Exhibit 15 is a letter to Roghelia about his poor attendance that is dated
September 13, 2005. This letter indicates that it serves as a letter of warning about
his poor attendance and that he would be subject to disciplinary action, which could
include discharge. The letter states that he is on probation for a year and indicates
that the letter will be placed in his employee file. Roghelia admitted to getting this
letter, but states he was confused by it because he thought that he was off on FMLA
for the period this letter was referencing. Tr. 197-198.
       {¶44} Another exhibit, Exhibit 16, admitted at trial, also shows that Roghelia
was counseled about his absenteeism. It states that Roghelia was counseled by Bill
Wright of Hopedale Mining on November 24, 2006. Roghelia claims that he was not
counseled and the first time he saw this slip was after the lawsuit was filed. Tr. 180-
181.
       {¶45} Throughout the evidence there are lists of dates that Roghelia missed
work. Some of it appears to be time caused by the two surgeries to his left hand.
Other times were just for days he was absent without having any vacation days to
use, such as one instance where he got hurt on a four wheeler and had to take time
off of work.
       {¶46} The last dates seemed to be a focus of the trial court. These were two
shifts in May of 2007. Roghelia claims to have called in May 15 to timely report off
because he was feeling faint. Tr. 186. He does not remember to whom he spoke.
He testified that he could not get in to see the doctor until May 22. In the May 23 e-
mail from Dave Zatezalo to Bruce Hann, Zatezalo stated, “Supposedly he [Roghelia]
called in around 5.15 [sic] to report off for the entire rotation but no one knows who
took the call.” On May 22, Roghelia did not call in to report off for the rotation that
started that day. Instead, he faxed a doctor’s excuse from the Puskarich Public
Library in Cadiz, Ohio, at 5:55 p.m. Exhibit 17. The doctor’s excuse states that
                                                                                    -15-

Roghelia will not be able to return to work until May 28, 2007. Exhibit 17 and 18.
Roghelia admits that he did not call in any other day than the 15th to report off work.
       {¶47} Viewing this evidence in the light most favorable to Roghelia, we cannot
conclude that reasonable minds could only reach one conclusion and that conclusion
would be adverse to Roghelia. Instead, we hold that this is an issue best left to the
trier of fact. The evidence could lead a reasonable person to conclude that Roghelia
was terminated based on his excessive absenteeism, which was a legitimate
nondiscriminatory reason for the termination. Or, a reasonable person could find that
the absenteeism reason was pretext. Thus, the trial court incorrectly took this matter
out of the hands of the jury. This assignment of error has merit.
                                      Conclusion
       {¶48} In conclusion the first and third assignments of error have merit. The
second assignment of error is without merit. The trial court used the wrong test in
determining whether Roghelia was perceived as disabled.             Furthermore, when
considering the evidence using the correct test, a directed verdict on this matter
should not have been granted. Whether Roghelia was perceived as disabled was a
question for the jury and so was whether his termination was based on that
perception or if it was based on his alleged violation of the employer’s absenteeism
policy. Reasonable persons could reach differing results on these issues.
       {¶49} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the trial court is hereby
reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial.

Waite, J., concurs.
DeGenaro, P.J., concurs.