Worker claims she was terminated after seeking work comp benefits

A woman claims her employer wrongly fired her after she attempted to file for workers' compensation benefits.

Shannon French filed a lawsuit May 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Landshire.

French claims she worked for Landshire on July 23, 2008, when she sustained injuries related to her employment.

French does not specify how her injuries occurred, but claims she notified Landshire of her intention to file a workers' compensation claim. After learning of French's intent to file a claim, Landshire terminated her employment, the complaint states.

"That the aforesaid discharge, termination, refusal to recall or rehire by the Defendant was wrongful and in retaliation for the exercise by the Plaintiff of her legal rights pursuant to the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act and was in violation of the policy expressed in Section 4 of said Act," the suit states.

Because of her termination, French lost income and benefits, sustained injury to her reputation and suffered mental anguish, the complaint says.

In her three-count suit, French seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-221.