Metal casting worker says he was let go in retaliation of work comp claim

A Belleville metal casting company is accused of firing an employee in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim.

Bruce Combs filed a lawsuit April 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Kettler Casting Company Inc.

Combs says he was hurt on the job while working for Kettler Casting in March 2008. He says he requested workers' compensation benefits from the company to pay the expenses associated with his alleged injuries.

Combs says he was fired from Kettler Casting in October 2010 and alleges it was directly related to his filing of an injury claim. He contends the termination was an act of retaliation.

Combs is suing Kettler for unlawful termination and asking for more than $50,000 in damages for lost wages, benefits and court costs.

He is represented by attorney Jeffrey T. Reel of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-195