A former nursing home employee claims she lost her job in retaliation for her filing of workers' compensation benefits and for her reports of potential neglect.
Vicky Tarrence claims she was working for defendant Maryville Manor on Oct. 3 and Oct. 12, 2007, when she sustained unspecified injuries. In turn, she applied for workers' compensation benefits, according to the complaint filed Sept. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Tarrence had also filed reports of potential neglect of patients to her supervisors, the suit states.
On Oct. 15, 2007, after the workers' compensation request and her reports, Tarrence lost her job, the suit states.
"Tarrence's discharge from her employment with Maryville Manor is causally related to her request for Illinois workers' compensation benefits," the complaint says. "Tarrence's discharge was causally related to her reports of neglect at Maryville Manor."
On the day of her termination, Tarrence claims she filed a report of potential neglect of nursing home patients to the Illinois Department of Health.
Because of her job loss, Tarrence claims she experienced pain and suffering and endured emotional trauma.
In her four-count complaint, Tarrence is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
Michael J. Brunton of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville will be representing her.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1554.