A former employee is taking legal action against a Florida-based corporation, alleging wrongful termination after a workplace injury. Robert Murphy filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on January 16, 2025, against Barcelona Equipment, Inc., seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on April 13, 2023. According to the complaint, Murphy was injured while performing his duties for Barcelona Equipment when steel straps snapped and sliced his pinky finger. This injury required medical attention and stitches at HCA Florida Clearwater Emergency. Despite promptly reporting the accident to his dispatcher Daren, Murphy claims he was unjustly terminated from his position on August 28, 2024. He believes this termination was directly linked to his attempt to file a valid Workers' Compensation claim.
Murphy's complaint cites Florida Statute 440.205 as the basis for his lawsuit. The statute protects employees from being discharged or intimidated due to filing or attempting to file a Workers' Compensation claim. "No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any employee by reason of such employee’s valid claim for compensation," it states. Murphy argues that Barcelona Equipment's actions were willful and disregarded his rights under this law.
As a result of these alleged actions by Barcelona Equipment, Murphy asserts he has suffered both economic and emotional damages. He is seeking judgment for damages and costs associated with the case and has requested a trial by jury to resolve the matter.
Representing Robert Murphy is attorney Jonathan I. Rotstein from Rotstein, Shiffman & Broderick LLP based in Daytona Beach, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number: 25-000196-CI in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County.