In a striking legal move, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe discrimination and wrongful termination due to her disability. Beatriz Troncoso initiated the complaint on November 19, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, targeting Palm Beach County d/b/a Health Care District of Palm Beach County as the defendant.
The case revolves around allegations that Troncoso was subjected to discriminatory treatment by her employer following a decline in her health. Employed as a Dental Assistant from June 25, 2015, until January 17, 2024, Troncoso claims she experienced symptoms including loss of coordination and significant fatigue beginning in early 2023. Despite informing her supervisors about these health issues and seeking reasonable accommodations, Troncoso alleges that her reduced work performance was perceived as intentional neglect rather than a result of her medical condition. She was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but did not disclose this immediately to her employer.
Troncoso’s lawsuit asserts that she faced retaliation and a hostile work environment after raising concerns about her health. The complaint details how she was terminated on January 23, 2024, with the reason given being that she posed a “risk” due to her health conditions. Troncoso argues that this decision followed an unfair scrutiny period where her legitimate health concerns were dismissed by management. Her lawyer contends that the defendant failed to engage in an interactive process regarding reasonable accommodations for Troncoso’s disability and instead opted for termination under pretextual grounds.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. These include declaratory and injunctive relief under both the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages. Furthermore, Troncoso demands reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights or compensation equivalent to front pay if reinstatement is not feasible. The lawsuit also calls for punitive damages against the defendant for their alleged willful disregard of anti-discrimination laws.
Representing Beatriz Troncoso is attorney Peter M. Hoogerwoerd from Remer Georges-Pierre & Hoogerwoerd PLLC based in Coral Gables, Florida. The case has been filed under Case ID: 502025CA012043XXXAMB Div: AE.
Source: 502025CA012043XXXAMB_Beatriz_Toroncoso_v_Palm_Beach_Complaint_Palm_Beach_County_Florida.pdf
