Maxim Healthcare worker claims retaliatory discharge

A Carlyle woman who claims she was fired because she exercised her right to workers compensation benefits has filed suit against her former employer.

Sue A. Good sustained a work-related injury while working for Maxim Healthcare Services on May 19, according to the complaint filed Jan. 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

She filed a claim for worker's compensation benefits and informed Maxim her case was ready for settlement on Dec. 17, the suit states.

However, Maxim demanded Good's resignation as a condition of any settlement on Dec. 31, she claims.

"The termination of Plaintiff's employment by Defendant, Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc., was done in retaliation for Plaintiff exercising her rights under the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305/1, et seq., and was contrary to the public policy of the State of Illinois," the suit states.

Because of her discharge, Good has lost wages, benefits and bonuses and suffered embarrassment, humiliation, emotional distress and loss of reputation, according to the complaint.

Good is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus unspecified punitive damages and costs.

Mark S. Schuver of Mathis, Marifian, Richter and Grandy in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0054.