Settlement reached in lawsuit over Las Vegas company’s firing of returning service member

Settlement reached in suit against Vegas company

LAS VEGAS — The U.S. Justice Department says it has reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed over the firing of an employee who was returning from active military duty.

The suit was filed in June on behalf of former Utah Army National guardsman and current Air Force Reservist Matthew T. Denning.

The suit alleged that Las Vegas company Stonescape Pavers LLC fired Denning during a protected reemployment time period. Lawyers for the government say a federal law prohibits employers from firing service members, except for cause, for about six months after they are re-employed upon returning from active duty.

The settlement announced Wednesday requires Stonescape to pay Denning $10,000 for lost wages and benefits.

A federal court in Las Vegas must approve the settlement.