Navigation Plaintiff alleges pharmaceutical giant discriminated based on gender and disability
A former employee has taken legal action against a major corporation, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. On April 2, 2025, Brian Gettleman filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Abbott Laboratories, Inc., and Robin Sharp. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of gender and disability discrimination, as well as retaliation.
According to the complaint, Gettleman was employed by Abbott Laboratories and supervised by Robin Sharp. He claims that Sharp targeted him due to his gender and depression—a recognized disability—despite being aware of his condition. The plaintiff alleges that Sharp’s discriminatory behavior included micromanagement and criticism of his work while treating female and non-disabled employees more favorably. Gettleman reported this conduct to Human Resources, but no corrective actions were taken. Furthermore, he claims that on August 23, 2023, he was terminated without warning or justification. Subsequently, on September 18, 2023, Gettleman filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging discrimination based on sex, disability, and retaliation for reporting such conduct.
The lawsuit cites violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act (Fla. Stat. § 760.10) for both gender and disability discrimination. It further accuses Abbott Laboratories of authorizing or ratifying wrongful conduct through its officers or managing agents with malice or oppression towards Gettleman. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for mental anguish and loss of dignity as well as punitive damages under Fla. Stat. § 760.11.
