It took 14 years, but a large utility company finally put a retaliatory discharge dispute to rest with the assistance of Johnson & Bell Shareholders, John W. Bell and William A. Geiser. The dispute began almost immediately following the plaintiff’s termination by the utility company in 2004. The plaintiff filed suit, claiming retaliatory discharge as he had workers’ compensation petitions pending at the time he was terminated. He sought more than $7 million in compensatory and punitive damages. During the two-week trial, the defense countered that the workers’ compensation claims were not relevant to plaintiff’s discharge, and did not “immunize” him from termination of employment. Consistent with Illinois case law, the defendants articulated a valid “non-pretextual” basis for the termination, and the judge accepted it, resulting in judgment in defendants’ favor.
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About Johnson & Bell
Clients rely on Johnson & Bell to defend their interests in court. Since 1975, we have developed a reputation for providing legal counsel that accomplishes our clients’ business objectives. Building on a track record of success handling major catastrophic personal injury cases, Johnson & Bell continues to represent numerous clients across a broad array of business concerns. We work with clients to mediate, settle or litigate their business issues. In addition, our lawyers represent clients in a wide range of commercial transactions and commercial litigation in both State and Federal court, locally and throughout the country.
