In a striking case of alleged workplace retaliation, a former employee has taken legal action against his previous employers, claiming wrongful termination following a workplace injury. The complaint was filed by John Markakis in the Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on October 21, 2025. The defendants named in the lawsuit are Mason Air Conditioning, LLC, Resiliant 194512 Enterprises, LLC, and J.T.P.Inkert Enterprise, LLC.
John Markakis alleges that after sustaining an injury at work due to a broken chair during a company meeting on May 21, 2025, he was unfairly dismissed from his position as an Air Conditioning Sales Tech. According to the complaint, Mr. Markakis had been employed by the Corporate Defendants since April 2025 and was responsible for diagnosing issues and selling air conditioning equipment to customers. The incident occurred when he attempted to sit on a faulty chair that collapsed under him, causing significant pain in his right shoulder.
Despite notifying his supervisor James Renfroe about the injury and expressing his inability to work due to severe pain, Mr. Markakis claims he was encouraged to “rest up.” However, after seeking medical attention and filing a workers’ compensation claim for his injuries—actions protected under Florida law—he received an unexpected call from Mr. Renfroe on May 26, 2025. During this call, Mr. Renfroe allegedly informed him that there was no longer a position available for him at the company.
The lawsuit accuses the Corporate Defendants of violating Florida Statute §440.205 by retaliating against Mr. Markakis for filing a workers’ compensation claim—a move that is legally protected from employer retribution. The complaint details how Mr. Markakis experienced psychological distress and financial loss due to this alleged wrongful termination. He asserts that during his tenure with the companies, he maintained high performance standards without any customer complaints or disciplinary actions against him.
Mr. Markakis seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for lost wages and earning potential alongside compensatory damages for emotional distress and other related expenses incurred due to this ordeal. His legal representation from Ulanowicz Firm, LLC is pushing for relief including front pay and back pay as well as coverage of medical bills resulting from both physical injuries and psychological impacts stemming from the alleged unlawful termination.
The case will be presided over by judges in Pinellas County’s Circuit Court under Case Number: 25-0059 14-CI with Peter Ulanowicz serving as counsel for Mr. Markakis.
Source: 25005914CI_John_Markakis_v_Mason_Air_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
