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McLean County judge awards damages to nursing home whistleblower
01/12/2008 06:49:41
Heritage Enterprises is dismissing a $17,000 judgment against it, ordered by a McLean County judge as a result of a lawsuit from a former employee -- a whistleblower who claimed she was fired in retaliation for reporting her suspicions an employee was sexually abusing a patient at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Colfax.
Earlier the state fined Heritage for failing to report the suspected abuse to the state public health department. The state later determined the report was unfounded.
Judge Charles Reynard awarded $10,0000 in pain and suffering to Michele Bolster. He pointed out the widow had nine children, including six adopted with special needs, and that Bolster's firing left her with the uncertainty of having medical insurance. Judge Reynard called it, "particularly excruciating."
Heritage Enterprises issued a statement calling Bolster a disgruntled employee who has used numerous avenues to accuse the company of wrongdoing but says in every case, her allegations have been proven false. The Bloomington-based company is considering an appeal.
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