ESL Housing Authority named in retaliatory discharge suit

A Cahokia man says he was fired for filing a workers' compensation claim after allegedly being hurt on the job.

Tommie L. Hill filed a lawsuit July 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against The Housing Authority of the City of East St. Louis.

According to the complaint, Hill was hurt while working for the Housing Authority in August 2010. He says he sought medical treatment through a workers' compensation claim. Hill alleges he was fired after he reported his injuries and claims the termination was an act of retaliation.

Hill accuses the Housing Authority of violating Illinois' Workers' Compensation Act. He is asking for more than $50,000 in damages for back pay, lost benefits and court fees.

Attorneys Mark C. Scoggins, Clay B. St. Clair and Anthony P. Gilbreth of Columbia are representing Hill.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-0348.