Chiropractor claims he was not given 45 days notice before termination

A chiropractor claims he is emotionally distressed after he lost his job without being given the required 45 day notice specified in his contract.

Hans Hengel filed a lawsuit April 16 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Jerseyville Pain Management Center, doing business as Riverbend Physical Medicine, and James Briggs.

In his complaint, Hengel alleges he was hired as clinic director for Riverbend on July 8. The job was supposed to last until July 8, 2018, and Hengel was promised an annual salary of $60,000 with a 4.5 percent increase in salary yearly, according to the complaint. On Jan. 29, Briggs, who is Riverbend’s president, terminated Hengel for reasons not specified in the lawsuit. However, Hengel contends Briggs did not provide him with a 45 day notice, which is required under the contract he signed.

Hengel is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus fees and costs. He is being represented in the case by Joseph N. Reames of Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-599.