WHISTLEBLOWER

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, WEST PALM BEACH

A jury in West Palm Beach decided a software company violated a contract and the Florida Whistleblower Act when it disciplined and fired a salesman who questioned the legitimacy of one of its products.

Kim Tillman, 47, complained the software, which was sold as a link between company printers and a program used by police to fill out traffic tickets, was redundant. After he complained, Tillman alleged his commissions were withheld, he was disciplined multiple times, and he was ultimately fired. Tillman sued Advanced Public Safety Inc. and affiliate Trimble Navigation Ltd.

The defense insisted Tillman was fired for poor job performance, insubordination and job abandonment. Tillman received damages of $1.1 million.

Case: Tillman v. Advanced Public Safety

Case No: 9:15-cv-81782-KAM

Plaintiffs attorneys: Roger William Feicht, Gerard Joseph Curley Jr. and Juan Anthony Nelson II, Gunster, West Palm Beach

Defense attorneys: Kelly Charles-Collins and William G. Smoak, Smoak, Chistolini & Barnett, Tampa