A former employee of the city of Madison alleges he was wrongly fired after receiving workers' compensation benefits.
Courtney Burrell was operating a Bobcat as part of his work for the city, and while clearing debris from a demolished stand-alone garage, he hit a live electrical wire on Sept. 14, 2007, according to the complaint filed Dec. 10 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Burrell filed a workers' compensation claim and received benefits before he was discharged, the suit states.
The city of Madison terminated Burrell on Dec. 12, 2007, "for allegedly not having a valid commercial drivers license," the suit states.
Burrell contends he had a valid Missouri commercial driver's license and was not told he would have to obtain an Illinois CDL before he was discharged.
After Madison terminated him, Burrell obtained an Illinois CDL, according to the complaint.
Burrell believes Madison discharged him because he filed a workers' compensation claim, the suit states.
He is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
Burrell is represented by Jim Ellis of Ellis Law Office in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-1162.
Madison employee claims he was fired after getting workers' comp.
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