Nelson Tree Service sued over retaliatory discharge claims

A Madison County tree company is accused of firing an employee because he was hurt on the job.

Jacob Petrie filed a lawsuit Feb. 21 in Madison County Circuit Court against Nelson Tree Service Inc. and Frank Sprague.

Petrie says he worked for Nelson Tree Service as a tree trimmer and, according to the complaint, was hurt while working in February 2011. Petrie alleges he filed a workers' compensation claim and then was fired by his supervisor, Sprague, in March 2011. Petrie contends his termination was in retaliation for filing the claim.

Petrie accuses Nelson Tree Service and Sprague of wrongful discharge and asks for more than $100,000 in damages for lost wages and benefits in addition to  court costs.

Attorneys Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Collinsville represent Petrie.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-277