Fired worker's retaliatory discharge suit up for management

Darrick Hibbler, who filed a retaliatory discharge suit against Kids Hope United, will be in Circuit Judge George Moran’s court Sept. 28, for a case management conference and a motion to amend his complaint.

Hibbler, represented by Thomas Rich of Fairview Heights, claims in a June 20 suit that he sustained accidental injuries while working at Kids Hope United on April 20. Hibbler claims he exercised his rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act by filing a claim seeking medical treatment, time off work and other benefits.

According to the complaint, Kids Hope United fired Hibbler seven days after he reported a work accident. He had been employed there five years.

Hibbler claims his firing was under the pretext that he "simply not working out," but the real reason for his termination was for filing a worker's comp claim.

As a result, Hibbler claims he has lost substantial wages and will continue to lose wages, lost insurance coverage and other benefits and has experienced pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Hibbler is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $50,000 and punitive damages in excess of $50,000 plus all costs of the suit.

Kids Hope will be represented by James Botana of Jackson Lewis in Chicago.

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