Worker says she was fired after filing comp claim

A St. Clair County woman is suing an East St. Louis health center for allegedly firing her after she tried to claim workers' compensation benefits.

Kendra Jones filed the lawsuit Dec. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Comprehensive Behavior Health Center of St. Clair County and Kasha Penny.

Jones was working at the Comprehensive Behavior Health Center on South 8th Street in December 2010 when she received an injury while on-duty, according to the complaint. Jones says she attempted to claim workers' compensation benefits for her injuries but was was fired by Penny, a supervisor, in February, before those benefits could be awarded.

Jones accuses Comprehensive Behavior Health Center and Penny of retaliatory discharge. She says both defendants also violated Illinois' Health Insurance Claim Filing Act. Jones is asking for for more than $150,000 in damages for lost wages and benefits plus court fees.

Attorneys Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Collinsville are representing Jones.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-661