CLEARWATER — A former technician is suing a St. Petersburg medical facility, alleging discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination.
Raymond Rodriguez filed a complaint July 6 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Bayfront HMA Medical Center LLC, doing business as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, alleging violation of the Florida Private Whistleblower's Act and Florida Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 10, 2015, Rodriguez began working as a biomedical equipment technician at Bayfront Health. He says during his employment, it was obvious that he was an unwelcome addition to the department as he was of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent and that he suffers from an hearing impairment.
Additionally, Rodriguez says he was terminated from his employment after reporting many alarming safety issues while working for Bayfront. As a result, Rodriguez alleges he suffered loss of income, mental anguish and distress.
The plaintiff alleges Bayfront Health St. Petersburg made an unlawful termination of an employee because of his age (63) and for complaining about the safety issues that affected both employees and patients of the facility.
Rodriguez seeks trial by jury, an order prohibiting discriminatory practices, back pay, liquidated damages, front pay, punitive damages of more than $15,000, attorney fees, costs and all appropriate relief. He is represented by attorney Gary L. Printy, Jr. of Printy & Printy PA in Tampa.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18C4484