Woman fired after donating kidney to help boss

Ms Deborah Stevens said she learned that Ms Jacqueline Brucia, who worked at Atlantic Automotive, was in need of a kidney in November 2010.

Ms Stevens had temporarily moved to Florida at that time but she learned the company would rehire her following her return to New York.

Not long afterward, Ms Brucia told her a potential donor had not been approved by the hospital and asked if she was still willing to donate.

Ms Stevens' kidney was not a good match for Ms Brucia, but she agreed to donate it to a stranger, setting up a transplant chain that enabled Ms Brucia to receive a better-matched kidney from a donor in San Francisco.

Surgeons removed Ms Stevens' left kidney in August, and she returned to work about a month later. The surgery left her with damaged nerves in her leg, digestive problems and mental health issues, her lawyer said.

At work, Ms Brucia became "curt and dismissive," the complaint said. Ms Stevens said she was berated for taking sick days and forced to relocate to a less desirable office after she complained to human resources about Ms Brucia's behavior.

On April 11, the company fired her, citing performance reasons.

Ms Stevens' lawyer said the complaint filed with the Division of Human Rights last week was a necessary step before a federal lawsuit is filed against Ms Brucia and the company.

Atlantic Automotive released a statement saying: "It is unfortunate that one employee has used her own generous act to make up a groundless claim.

"Atlantic Auto treated her appropriately and acted honourably and fairly, at every turn," it said.

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