'New judge' will hear retaliatory discharge suit

Rick White filed a retaliatory discharge suit against AZ Welding and Machine Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court seeking damages in excess $50,000.

White claims AZ involuntarily discharged him from employment on Feb. 22, in retaliation for his activities in pursuing statutory rights and benefits under the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act.

"The involuntary discharge violates a clear mandate of Illinois public policy, in that a worker injured on the job should be compensated without any fear of adverse employment retaliation," the complaint states.

White claims his personal and pecuniary interests were damaged due to a loss of wages, benefits, raises and promotion, costs associated with finding a new job and humiliation and mental distress.

He is represented by Wood River attorney Lance Mallon. The case will be assigned to the "new judge" once appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to replace the retiring Philip Kardis.

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