Retaliatory discharge alleged in suit against Hitz Memorial Home

A civil suit was filed against Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra by a former employee who claims she was fired for receiving workers' compensation benefits.

Julie Luna filed the suit April 21 in Madison County Circuit Court alleging she was discharged on Dec. 18, 2006, after requesting and receiving benefits.

"Hitz Memorial Home's wrongful discharge of Julie Luna from her employment with Hitz Memorial Home is causally related to Julie Luna's request for workers' compensation benefits," the complaint states.

Luna claims a clear mandate of Illinois Public Policy prohibits discharge from employment for reporting a work-related injury and requesting benefits.

She claims co-defendant Marsha Haslett, her supervisor, terminated her employment alleging she was no longer able to perform her job duties even though she was still able to perform them in a satisfactory manner.

Luna claims Haslett acted maliciously and with personal animosity against her and acted for her own personal interests contrary to those of the corporation when she terminated her employment.

She claims she should be awarded damages for past and future wages and fringe benefits and for past and future emotional injuries, including punitive damages.

Luna also claims Haslett's intentional interference with a business relationship entitles her to other incidental and consequential damages she sustained.

Represented by Michael Brunton of Collinsville, Luna is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

08 L 335