Collinsville company accused of firing worker over comp claim

A Belleville man accuses a Collinsville construction company of firing him for filing a workers' compensation claim.

Thomas Martindale filed a lawsuit against Carter-Waters LLC Aug. 5 in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Martindale started working for the Collinsville construction supply company in April 2010. Martindale says that in November 2010 he was hurt on the job, reported his injury to Carter-Waters and filed a claim for benefits provided by Illinois' Workers' Compensation Act.

Martindale contends he lost his job in June in retaliation for filing that claim, despite allegedly being told by Carter-Waters he was fired for job abandonment. The Belleville man is asking for more than $100,000 in damages for loss of income and loss of benefits. Martindale also asks that the defendant pay all court costs and attorney fees.

Attorneys Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights are representing Martindale.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-775.