Manpower employee Belinda K. Reeves of Belleville, who was temporarily totally disabled from a thumb injury, claims she was wrongfully fired after returning to work following a three-and-a-half week absence.
In a lawsuit filed Feb. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Reeves claims that on Dec. 16, 2005, she was injured on the job. She applied for benefits under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.
Manpower, Inc. is a professional staffing service.
After receiving a medical release, Reeves claims she was fired while attempting to return to work on Jan. 9, 2006.
She is seeking in excess of $100,000 on counts of retaliatory discharge and wilful and wanton conduct.
Reeves, represented by Jon E. Rosenstengel of Bonifield & Rosenstengel of Belleville, claims she has suffered a loss of income and benefits. She also claims to have suffered from mental and physical anguish.