Navigation Former Employee Alleges Retaliation Against Kemco Systems Co., LLC After Workplace Injury
A former employee is taking legal action against her previous employer, alleging wrongful termination following a workplace injury. Carolyn Burgess filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on May 7, 2025, against Kemco Systems Co., LLC. The case centers around allegations of retaliation and violation of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.
According to the complaint, Carolyn Burgess was employed as a janitor by Kemco Systems Co., LLC in Clearwater, Florida. On June 26, 2024, while performing her duties, she sustained a back injury from lifting a heavy trash bag filled with steel parts. Following this incident, Burgess reported her injuries to Donald Springfield, an agent or employee of Kemco Systems. Despite beginning treatment for her injuries and attempting to claim compensation under Florida Workers’ Compensation Law, Burgess alleges that she faced retaliation from her employer.
The complaint states that on November 22, 2024, while still recovering from her injuries and working reduced hours due to medical treatment, Burgess was informed of her termination by Kemco Systems. She argues that this termination was directly linked to her attempt to claim workers’ compensation benefits and cites Florida Statute 440.205 in support of her claim. This statute prohibits employers from discharging or intimidating employees who file valid claims for workers’ compensation.
