CLEARWATER — A former employee is suing a Pinellas County chemical lab corporation, alleging violation of state law and wrongful termination.
Timothy Caplinger filed a complaint June 5 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Ion Labs Inc, alleging the defendant knowingly violated the Florida Whistleblower Act.
According to the complaint, Caplinger worked as a blending supervisor for Ion Labs from Jan. 2, 2013, until he was terminated May 18, 2017. The suit says Caplinger has been very vocal about alleged unlawful and dangerous procedures being carried out in the workplace. Caplinger says he reported all illegal practices to management. However, upon his objections, he says he was terminated as a pretext for retaliation.
As a result, Caplinger says, he has suffered lost wages, lost benefits, lost employment status, humiliation, mental anguish and emotional distress.
The plaintiff alleges Ion Labs knowingly violated the Florida Whistleblower Act (FWA) in retaliation for employees partaking in a protected activity under the FWA.
Caplinger seeks trial by jury, damages exceeding $15,000, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees and all other relief deemed just and proper. He is represented by attorneys Noah E. Storch and Alexandra Scala of Richard Celler Legal, PA in Davie.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18CA3701 6/5