BELLEVILLE - A McDonald's restaurant employee alleges she was fired after she suffered a workplace injury and became eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
Daxxielle Wisnasky of Fairview Heights, who was employed at the fast food outlet in O'Fallon until June, filed the lawsuit Sept. 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. Wisnasky states she suffered the injury March 3 while working at the O'Fallon McDonald's, which allowed her to become eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
McDonald's did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Record.
After seeking treatment, the plaintiff alleges her employment at McDonald's was terminated June 8.
"There is a causaI connection between plaintiff's exercise of her rights under the Workers' Compensation Act and defendants termination," the suit states.
The complaint also details the aftermath of the termination, including that Wisnasky has suffered, and will continue to suffer loss of income and benefits. Further, she has faced "emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation."
Wisnasky seeks punitive damages in excess of $50,000, all back and front pay and benefits, interest and compensation for her emotional issues and all just relief to punish McDonald's and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. She is represented by attorneys Jack Daugherty and Keith Short of Short and Daugherty of Alton.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 2019-L-670.