Swansea Rehab employee says she lost job after filing work comp claim

A woman claims she lost her job after she attempted to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Rhonda Brown filed a lawsuit Dec. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Petersen Health Care doing business as Swansea Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

In her complaint, Brown alleges she was working for the facility when she was allegedly injured on the job on July 18, 2011. Subsequently, Brown attempted to file for workers’ compensation benefits, according to the complaint.

However, Swansea Rehab fired her on Oct. 29, the suit states. Brown contends she was let go because of her attempt to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

In turn, Brown has lost wages, pension and health care benefits, has sustained an injury to her reputation and has suffered mental anguish, the complaint says.

In her two-count complaint, Brown seeks a judgment of more than $100,000 but less than $150,000, plus costs.

Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-659.