Fired worker claims Kraft and Capri Sun retaliated

Deborah Borkowski filed a retaliatory discharge suit against Kraft Foods and Capri Sun in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 16, claiming her job was terminated after she was injured at work on two separate occasions.

According to the complaint, Borkowski worked for Kraft and Capri Sun from Aug. 11, 2001, until July 5 at the Granite City location at 2901 Missouri Avenue.

She claims that on Feb. 1, 2005 and Jan. 3 she sustained accidental injuries arising out of the course and scope of her employment causing severe and permanent injuries.

Borkowski claims both times she made claims under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, sought medical treatment, took time off work and received benefits.

Borkowski claims she was fired on July 5, under the pretext of an insurance risk, but claims in reality she really was terminated for exercising her rights for workers' compensation benefits.

According to Borkowski, she has lost substantial wages which she would have otherwise earned and will continue to lose wages in the future, lost insurance coverage and other benefits and has experienced pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Represented by Thomas Rich of Fairview Heights, Borkowski is seeking $50,000 in compensatory damages and $50,000 in punitive damages.

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