Drury Hotels sued by worker claiming wrongful termination

A woman claims her former employer wrongly terminated her after she filed for workers' compensation benefits.

Tracy Ranson filed a lawsuit Sept. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Drury Hotels Co.

Ranson claims she worked for Drury on May 9, 2009, and on Aug. 27, 2009, when she sustained bodily injuries.

After the incidents, Ranson filed a workers' compensation claim, then amended it to seek benefits for medical treatment, temporary total disability, surgery and permanent partial disability, according to the complaint.

On Sept. 4, Drury fired Ranson from her position, the suit 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," the complaint says.

Because of her job loss, Ranson claims she lost income and benefits, sustained injury to her reputation and suffered mental anguish.

In her two-count complaint, Ranson seeks a judgment of more than $50,000 but less than $75,000 and punitive damages of more than $50,000 but less than $75,000, plus costs.

Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-485.