BLOOMINGTON - Heritage Enterprises Inc. disagreed Monday with a $17,000 award approved by a McLean County judge for a former employee who alleged she was fired in retaliation for reporting the abuse of a patient.

Michele Bolster worked as certified nurses' assistant for the long-term care company from 1999 until her termination in 2001.

Judge Charles Reynard awarded Bolster $10,000 in damages and $7,180 in lost wages and unpaid insurance expenses. The ruling was handed down earlier this month.

Bolster was characterized as "a disgruntled former employee" in a statement released Monday by Steve Wannemacher, Heritage president and chief operating officer. He said the company disagrees with Reynard's ruling and is considering an appeal.

The complaint accused Bloomington-based Heritage of firing Bolster after she reported possible sexual abuse of a resident at Heritage Manor in Colfax. Heritage was fined by the state for failing to report the alleged abuse.

Bolster's lawyer, Melissa McGrath, said in a statement her client is pleased with the ruling. She said Bolster is a widow with nine children, including six adopted children with special needs.