Former assisted living worker claims she was terminated after reporting neglect

A woman has filed suit against her former employer, alleging it terminated her after she reported neglect of patients.

Michelle Chalmers filed suit Aug. 4 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Heritage Enterprices Inc., which operates as Glenhaven Gardens Supportive Living in Alton, Karla Lounsbury and Connie McDaniels.

According to the complaint, Chalmers while working informed supervisors of employees who she did not believe were treating patients properly. For instance, one patient was confined to a mechanical device utilized to lift people in and out of their beds on three different occasions, according to the complaint. Other employees falsified the number of hours they worked, the suit states. The nursing home was also understaffed, the complaint says.

Chalmers claims she was discharged Aug. 8, 2012, after voicing her concern about the operation of the nursing home.

In addition to Heritage, Chalmers names Karla Lounsbury and Connie McDaniels as defendants, saying they provided incomplete and inaccurate information in the investigation that led to Chalmers's termination.

Due to her job loss, Chalmers experienced pain, suffering and severe emotional distress, according to the complaint.

She seeks a judgment of more than $150,0000, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just. The plaintiff is being represented by attorneys Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-1068.