Worker says he was discharged after filing comp claim

A man has filed suit against his former employer, alleging he was wrongly discharged from employment after he filed for workers’ compensation benefits.

Roger Johnson claims he was working for defendant Commercial Transport on April 30, 2012, when he sustained injuries. Following the incident, Johnson applied for workers’ compensation benefits, according to the complaint filed June 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

After filing for his benefits, Johnson claims he was fired, which is a violation of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the suit states.

Because of his termination, Johnson has lost wages, pension and health care benefits; suffered injury to his reputation; and sustained mental anguish, the complaint says.

In his complaint, Johnson is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000 and punitive damages of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-290.