Former Olin Winchester worker alleges retaliatory discharge after filing work comp claim

A Bethalto woman is suing a former employer she alleges fired her for filing a workers' compensation claim. 

Kimberly J. Feeney filed the lawsuit against Olin Brass and Winchester Inc. of East Alton on Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court. 

Feeney says she was working for Olin Winchester in May 2010, when she was involved in an on-the-job accident. According to the complaint, ammunition primers detonated severely injuring Feeney, leaving her unable to work for more than a year. 

Feeney says she was injured while at work and, therefore, was eligible for benefits under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. She contends Olin Winchester failed to comply with the law and, instead, fraudulently misrepresented its actions to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. 

Feeney says Olin Winchester terminated her employment as "punishment for exercising her rights" to workers' compensation benefits. She accuses the company of retaliatory discharge and of willfully and wantonly violating her rights. 

Feeney is asking for more than $100,000 in actual and punitive damages for lost income, physical pain and mental anguish. 

Attorney Jon E. Rosenstengel of Bonifield & Rosenstengel in Belleville represents Feeney. 

The case number is Madison County Circuit Court case 14-L-1171.