An Illinois woman claims she was wrongfully terminated from her job because of her alleged disability.
Jaclyn Shofner filed a lawsuit on Sept. 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Branding Iron Holdings, Inc., Holten Meats, Inc. and Brandy Mormino, alleging violations of the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Shofner was terminated from her job after taking FMLA leave that she claims she was entitled to because suffers from a medical condition that is considered a disability under the ADA and IHRA.
The suit states that Shofner was subjected to a hostile work environment as the defendant's discriminated and harassed her because of her disability and treated her differently than non-disabled employees.
Shofner alleges she was terminated because she was disabled and in retaliation for reporting the discriminatory behavior to defendant supervisors.
Shofner contends Mormino acted with malice when she made statements that caused Shofner to be terminated, as Mormino was aware of her expectation of continued employment with the defendants, the suit states.
As the result of the defendant's actions, Shofner claims she has and will continue to endure emotional distress, mental anguish, inconvenience and lost wages and benefits.
Shofner seeks damages in excess of $50,000, in addition to attorney fees, court costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-503.