The lawsuit, filed in US District Court last week, claims that Matthews gave herself a severe deep thigh bruise while slapping her thigh to the beat of a worship tune in an effort to get the congregation clapping nearly a month ago. The suit further claims that the church was criminally negligent in not providing Matthews with a headset, which she says would have allowed her to clap her hands instead of her thigh. Matthews said she asked church leaders to provide a headset on numerous occasions and complained about ongoing thigh pain.

Matthews is seeking remuneration for lost wages, saying she has been unable to perform her duties at her job as a dog trainer.