BELLEVILLE — A Prairie State Energy Campus Management employee alleges he was fired in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim.
Keith Stefanisin filed a compliant in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Prairie State Energy Campus Management Inc., alleging retaliatory discharge and other claims.
According to the complaint, Stefanisin worked for Prairie State Energy from April 18, 2011, through Feb. 1, 2022. He alleges that on Nov. 14, 2020, he suffered injuries during the course of his employment, which caused him "severe and permanent" injuries. He claims that he reported his injury, filed a workers' compensation claim and sought medical treatment and time off work per his physician's orders.
Stefanisin claims he was terminated under the false pretext of having missed more work than his allotted time for his injury when he was actually fired in retaliation for filing his workers' compensation claim, the suit states.
He alleges that he has suffered lost wages, loss of health and dental insurance coverage and loss of 401(k) and pension benefits. He also claims he suffered emotional distress.
Stefanisin seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. He is represented by Thomas Rich, Kristina Cooksey, Michelle Rich, Aaron Chappell and Caitlin Rich of Rich, Rich, Cooksey & Chappell PC in Fairview Heights.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 22LA0270