Former Memorial Hospital employee sues

In a lawsuit filed Jan. 31 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, a former Memorial Hospital employee claims she was fired for filing a workers' compensation claim in 2005.

Terry L. Zipfel of Belleville alleges the hospital retaliated against her because she filed for benefits after suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve problems.

The complaint does not indicate what position she held at the hospital.

Zipfel worked for Memorial in 2002 and 2004 when her health problems were diagnosed.

"The plaintiff had manifestation dates of carpal tunnel syndrome in 2002 and ulnar nerve problems in 2004 as a result of the repetitive nature of her work with the defendant which is hand and arm intensive," the complaint states.

Seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages, Zipfel claims she has suffered a loss of income, benefits and has suffered mental and physical anguish.

She is represented by Jon E. Rosenstengel of Bonifield & Rosenstengel in Belleville.