On October 30, a former employee filed a lawsuit against Antech Diagnostics, alleging wrongful termination and retaliation after raising concerns about illegal practices in the workplace. Plaintiff Samantha Perez's lawsuit describes a series of incidents during her time as an office manager at the company.
Perez claims that after reporting unlawful and hazardous practices, she faced retaliation that led to her resignation. The complaint includes reports of coworkers' misconduct, such as improper handling of urine samples and employees working under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In one instance, she reported a coworker, Andrea, for arriving at work intoxicated, which allegedly resulted in increased hostility toward her from other employees.
The complaint details instances of verbal abuse and threats from colleagues. On June 21, 2023, an employee named Richard Fagan allegedly threatened her with physical violence. Perez claims that despite notifying supervisors and human resources, no substantial action was taken to address her concerns or ensure her safety. Her repeated safety complaints, she alleges, were met with indifference or further retaliation from management.
Perez is seeking relief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and New York Labor Law sections related to whistleblower protection. She seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, as well as punitive damages due to what she describes as malicious conduct by Antech Diagnostics. Additionally, she requests reinstatement with full benefits or equivalent compensation for her losses.
Perez is represented by Janelle J. Romero from Consumer Attorneys PLC in Flushing, New York. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:24-cv-07604.