Age discrimination claimed in suit against Gateway Regional

A woman alleges Gateway Regional Medical Center terminated her because of her age, hiring a younger male to take her place.

Mary Wierciszewski filed a lawsuit Dec. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court against Granite City Illinois Hospital Company doing business as Gateway Regional Medical Center and Dave Sorenson.

Because of her age and her gender, Wierciszewski claims she was subjected to a hostile environment and discharged from Gateway Regional, the place where she had worked for nearly 34 years.

"Mary Wierciszewski was 56 years of age at the time of her termination," the complaint says. "Mary Wierciszewski was replaced by a younger employee under the age of 40 years of age.

"Prior to her termination, Mary Wierciszewski was performing her job according to her employer's legitimate expectations," the suit states.

As a result of her termination, Wiercciszewski suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, pain, suffering, inconvenience and loss of a normal life, the suit states. In addition, she lost wages and fringe benefits, according to the complaint.

By firing Wierciszewski, Gateway Regional either violated a federal law or allowed acts of discrimination -- both of which entitle Wierciszewski to liquidated damages, the complaint says.

In her seven-count complaint, Wierciszewski seeks a judgment of more than $350,000, plus costs.

Michael J. Brunton of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-1283.