Luisa Leon, a former employee of a Montessori school in Palm Beach County, Florida, has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination after she sought workers' compensation benefits following a workplace injury. The complaint was lodged by Leon on January 22, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit against New Generation Montessori WPB, LLC.
The case centers around events that transpired during Leon's employment as a teacher assistant at the Montessori school. According to the complaint, on November 16, 2023, Leon sustained injuries to her right knee and shoulder due to a slip and fall incident at work. Following this accident, she reported her injuries and indicated her need for workers' compensation benefits. However, instead of receiving support from her employer, Leon alleges that she was wrongfully discharged without just cause.
Leon accuses New Generation Montessori WPB of retaliatory discharge in violation of Section 440.205 of the Florida Statutes. This statute prohibits employers from discharging or intimidating employees who file valid claims for workers' compensation. The complaint details how the defendant was aware of Leon's injuries and her pursuit of medical treatment under the Workers' Compensation Law but chose to terminate her employment shortly after she provided medical documentation to her supervisor.
The plaintiff asserts that her termination was directly linked to her workplace injury and subsequent medical treatment. She claims that the adverse action taken by New Generation Montessori WPB contravened statutory protections designed to safeguard employees seeking rightful compensation for work-related injuries.
In response to these alleged unlawful actions by the defendant, Luisa Leon is seeking several forms of relief from the court. She demands actual and consequential damages along with compensatory damages for pain and suffering. Additionally, she seeks back pay with interest and damages covering lost employment benefits due to what she describes as an unjust dismissal. Furthermore, Leon requests any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Luisa Leon is attorney Elvis J. Adan from Gallardo Law Office, P.A., based in Miami, Florida. The case is being presided over in Palm Beach County under Case Number 502025CA000612XXXAMB Div: AD.