ORLANDO – A licensed practical nurse alleges she was wrongfully terminated because she was pregnant.
Racine Jean filed a complaint on May 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division against Life Care Centers of America Inc., doing business as Life Care Center of Palm Bay, alleging that the employer allegedly violated the Family and Medical Leave Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that in December 2015, she requested accommodations for her pregnancy and illness from the defendant but no accommodation was made. Because she was told that no accommodation could be made, the suit states she resigned on Dec. 31, 2015, with a two week notice. The plaintiff holds Life Care Centers of America Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly interfered with her rights to FMLA leave and terminated her employment on Jan. 2 in retaliation because she is a woman, for becoming pregnant, for her serious chronic health condition and for inquiring of availing herself FMLA leave.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation for back pay, liquidated damages, equitable relief, attorney's fees and costs and any further relief that the court deems just and appropriate. She is represented by Richard Celler of Richard Celler Legal PA in Davie.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division Case number 6:16-cv-00777