Kujawski
A woman claims her former Fairview Heights employer fired her after she attempted to file for workers' compensation benefits after sustaining work-related injuries.
Donna McCumber claims she was working at Internet Wines and Spirits also known as Randall's Liquors when she sustained a spinal injury on June 6, 2010.
McCumber does not specify how the spinal injury occurred. She does say she attempted to file for workers' compensation benefits after the injury, but was discharged after applying for them.
"That the Defendant, by and through its agents, servants and employees, did willfully, wantonly, maliciously, recklessly and intentionally discharge the Plaintiff in retaliation for the Plaintiff's work related injury and her announcement that she was exercising her right to claim worker's compensation, all of which was contrary to the provisions of the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act," the suit filed May 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court states.
In her complaint, McCumber claims Internet Wines and Spirits illegally terminated McCumber, who was older than 50, to hire a younger employee. Internet Wines and Spirits also violated state and federal laws when it fired McCumber because of her handicap, the complaint says.
In her two-count complaint, McCumber is seeking a judgment of more than $150,000 and punitive damages of more than $500,000, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.
John P. Kujawski of Kujawski and Associates in O'Fallon will be representing her.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-325.