Retaliatory discharge suit seeks punitive damages

Roy Frison filed a retaliatory lawsuit against Mid America Stainless claiming he was fired after notifying his employer of his intention to file a worker's compensation claim.

According to the complaint filed June 12 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Frison hurt himself at work on July 29, 2004.

"That despite the request for medical treatment made by Plaintiff to the agents and/or employees of Defendant, Defendant refused to provide or authorize medical treatment for Plaintiff," the complaint states.

Frison, represented by Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville, claims he was terminated Aug. 3, 2004, because of his assertion of rights under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.

He claims he has been deprived of his lawful employment, has suffered damages by his loss of income and benefits, sustained injury to his reputation, suffered mental anguish "all to the damage of the Plaintiff in a substantial amount," the complaint states.

Frison is seeking compensatory damages not to exceed $75,000, plus punitive damages not to exceed $75,000.