In addition to facing a barrage of lawsuits for unpaid debts from the Republic and its parent company PDVSA, CITGO is also contending with accusations of discrimination and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Following a workplace accident on July 19, 2009, at the CITGO Petroleum Corporation refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas, Gabriel Alvarado was left disabled and accused the company of discrimination due to his condition. He subsequently filed a lawsuit in the Southern District Court of Texas seeking compensation for actual damages and claims.
Legal Action
On January 30, 2025, Gabriel Alvarado filed the original complaint against Citgo Petroleum Corporation, also known as Citgo Refining and Chemical Company LP, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi Division.
Alvarado states that he has completed all necessary administrative procedures prior to filing the lawsuit, including submitting his administrative discrimination complaint within 180 days of discovering the discriminatory acts.
On November 1, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) granted him the right to sue within 90 days of receipt, which is why he is filing this lawsuit.
The Charges
Gabriel Alvarado demands damages from CITGO
Gabriel Alvarado brings charges against CITGO for:
Discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Chapter 21 and subsequent chapters of the Texas Labor Code.
Retaliation in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Chapter 21 and subsequent chapters of the Texas Labor Code.
Retaliation in violation of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Gabriel Alvarado’s Demands
Gabriel Alvarado requests a jury trial to recover damages stemming from CITGO’s omissions and errors, including past and future wages; compensatory damages for mental anguish, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced in the past and those he is reasonably likely to suffer in the future.
Additionally, he seeks financial losses, punitive damages, reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and costs.
Likewise, due to the damages specified, Gabriel Alvarado requests actual damages for the previously mentioned harm elements, in an amount deemed reasonable by the jury.
Furthermore, he demands payment for the attorney fees incurred due to the damages caused by the defendant, which should cover:
- Preparation and trial of the claim;
- Post-trial and pre-appeal legal services;
- An appeal to the Court of Appeals;
- Submission or response to a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, and attorney fees if the writ is granted;
- Discovery and collection after the judgment, if enforcement of the judgment is necessary.
All for an amount that the jury considers reasonable.
Specifically, Gabriel Alvarado requests a judgment against CITGO for actual damages incurred, including lost wages, bonuses, salaries, and benefits (both past and future wages) in an amount to be determined; a judgment for compensatory damages for the maximum amount permitted by law; an order for CITGO to take additional necessary measures to remedy violations of the plaintiff’s Civil Rights and any other applicable claims, including reinstatement if justified or feasible; pre- and post-judgment interest; costs of the legal process.
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Disabled ex-employee suing CITGO demands a jury trial and compensatory damages
CITGO faces a wave of lawsuits, including for discrimination