A man claims he was fired after he reported his employer for allegedly dumping toxic substances.
Paul Crane Jr. filed a lawsuit March 31 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Midwest Sanitary Service, Bob Evans Sr., Bob Evans Jr. and Nancy Donovan.
In his complaint, Crane alleges he was working for Midwest in Wood River when he observed his fellow employees dumping toxic waste and other hazardous substances illegally. Crane took pictures of the dumping, then reported the violations to state regulators, according to the complaint.
After Crane’s complaint, the EPA sent a letter to Midwest, which laid out numerous environmental violations, the suit states. On the same day the company received the letter, it terminated Crane’s employment, the complaint says.
Crane claims he lost his job due to his reporting of the alleged violations.
Because of his termination, Crane lost income and benefits and suffered emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation, according to the complaint.
Crane is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus punitive damages of more than $50,000, back wages, front pay, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just. He is being represented by Lee W. Barron and William D. Buchanan of Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-501.