Retaliatory discharge claimed by Granite City man in suit against Per Mar Security

A Granite City man claims he lost his job after he attempted to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Richard Tucker filed a lawsuit July 18 in Madison County Circuit Court against Per Mar Security and Research Corp. doing business as Per Mar Security Services.

In his complaint, Tucker alleges he was assigned to work at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City as part of his job for Per Mar. While working at the medical center on Jan. 20, Tucker sustained a work-related injury, according to the complaint.

He reported the injury to his employer and began receiving treatment for it, the suit states. However, on Feb. 1, Per Mar terminated Tucker’s employment, the suit states.

“The termination of plaintiff’s employment by defendant, Per Mar, was in retaliation for plaintiff exercising his rights under the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act,” the complaint says.

Because of his job loss, Tucker claims he lost wages and income and suffered embarrassment, humiliation, emotional distress and a loss of his reputation in the community.

In his complaint, Tucker seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus punitive damages and costs.

Mark S. Schuver of Mathis, Marifian and Richter in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-1187.