A former laborer for the City of Granite City alleges he lost his job after his leg was amputated due to his diabetes.
Don Lienemann filed suit Feb. 13 in the Madison County Circuit Court against the city of Granite City, Mayor Ed Hagnauer, Laborer's Local No. 397 and Steve Tyler.
Lienemann claims he was working for Granite City when he was diagnosed with diabetes and was forced to have his leg amputated. Lienemann took medical leave for his condition. On Feb. 1, 2013, Mayor Ed Hagnauer asked Lienemann to take a medical examination, which would help determine whether he was ready to return to work, the suit states. Lienemann’s doctor allowed him to return to work without restrictions, according to the complaint.
However, when Lienemann attempted to go back to his job, Hagnauer would not allow him to return to his prior position or even to fill a similar job, even though these positions were open, Lienemann claims.
“Lienemann was terminated from his job and/or not allowed to return to work, as a result of his disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” the suit states.
Because of his termination, Lienemann suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, pain, suffering and inconvenience and lost his enjoyment of life, the complaint says. He also claims he lost wages and benefits.
Lienemann is seeking a judgment of more than $400,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just. He is being represented by Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-244.