Retaliatory discharge alleged in suit against Bedell center

A woman has filed suit against her former employer, alleging she was terminated after citing safety concerns at a home for disabled individuals.

Angela Hummer filed suit July 11 in the Madison County Circuit Court against William M. Bedell Achievement and Resource Center and Gary Osborne. The center provides programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

According to the complaint, Hummer was working for the center located in Wood River when she reported improper wiring to her supervisors. She also found the home had a leaking roof, which created water damage and mold in the home, a leaky basement and black mold that was not properly cleaned, according to the complaint.

Hummer reported all of her findings to her superiors, the suit states. She then lost her job July 11, 2012, the complaint says.

Hummer’s termination was causally related to the reports and complaints of the allegedly illegal activities to her supervisors, the suit states.

Because of her job loss, Hummer claims she lost wages and earnings and experienced emotional trauma.

In addition to the resource center, Hummer names its executive director, Gary Osborne, as a defendant, saying he acted maliciously against her when he terminated her.

Hummer is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just. She is being represented by attorney Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-980.