Fairmount Park sued by former employee

A former employee of Fairmount Park in Collinsville filed suit in St. Clair County Circuit Court June 16 alleging the horse track fired her after she collected worker's compensation benefits.

Jessie Williams claims she exercised her rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act by filing a claim, seeking medical care, taking time off work and receiving benefits. On June 10, 2004, Williams claims she was injured on the job.

According to the complaint, Williams was terminated from her employment under the pretext of management rights last March. Williams claims her firing came as a result of her collecting worker's comp benefits.

In the suit she claims she has lost substantial wages which she would have otherwise earned, lost insurance coverage and other benefits and has experienced pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Williams is seeking a judgment for a “fair and just award” in excess of $50,000 plus punitive damages in excess of $50,000 alleging management committed an intentional tort for which punitive damages are recoverable.

Williams is represented by Thomas Rich of Fairview Heights.

05 L 351 (20th Circuit)