Detailers and More worker claims retaliatory discharge

A Granite City woman has filed suit against her former employer, alleging she was wrongly terminated after she applied for workers' compensation.

Corey C. Ursch says she was working for Detailers and More at St. Louis Downtown Airport on May 26 when she suffered a work-related injury.

For her injury, Ursch obtained medical treatment, then requested Detailers and More to pay for her medical expenses, according to the complaint filed May 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Instead of paying Ursch's medical expenses, Detailers and More fired her on May 27, the complaint says.

"The termination of Plaintiff's employment by Defendant, Detailers and More, Inc., was done in retaliation for Plaintiff exercising her rights under the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act, and was contrary to the public policy of the State of Illinois," the suit states.

Because of Ursch's dismissal, she lost wages, benefits and bonuses and has suffered embarrassment, humiliation, emotional distress and a loss of reputation and standing in the community, she says.

Ursch is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000 but less than $75,000, plus 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-283.