Pfizer Employee Can Pursue Whistleblower, Free Speech Claims

HARTFORD, Conn. - A former Pfizer Inc. researcher who contends that her termination was linked to her complaints about safety issues can take whistleblower and free speech claims to trial, a federal judge has ruled. McClain v. Pfizer Inc., No. 3:06-cv-01795 (D. Conn.).

Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on Feb. 26 denied Pfizer's motion for summary judgment on those claims, but also ruled that Becky McClain's claim that Pfizer engaged in willful and wanton misconduct cannot be supported.

Trial was scheduled to begin on March 15 and last for three weeks.