Olin Brass worker claims retaliatory discharge

A man says his employer wrongly terminated him after he sustained a work-related injury.

Troy Pizzo filed a lawsuit Nov. 23 in Madison County Circuit Court against Global Brass and Copper Inc. doing business as Olin Brass.

Pizzo claims he sustained an injury while working at Olin Brass on Sept. 12, 2008, and applied for workers' compensation benefits.

Pizzo's doctor ordered him to perform on restricted duty only, but Olin Brass fired Pizzo as a result, according to the complaint.

"With the full knowledge of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act as cited, the defendant herein knowingly, willfully and wantonly intentionally and with disregard for the rights and welfare of the plaintiff, discharged the plaintiff from its employment by way of punishment for the continued pursuit of his rights under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act," the suit states.

Because of his unlawful termination, Pizzo lost income and benefits, suffered mental anguish and experienced pain, the suit states.

In the two-count suit, Pizzo seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Jon E. Rosenstengel of the Law Offices of Bonifield and Rosenstengel in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1269.