Detroit, Mich. – A federal court jury in Detroit has awarded over $12 million in damages to a former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who claimed she was dismissed for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine due to her religious beliefs. The significant sum includes $10 million in punitive damages, highlighting the jury’s stance on the matter.
Lisa Domski, who had been employed by the insurance giant for over three decades, argued that her termination was a case of religious discrimination. In 2021, Domski requested an exemption from the company’s vaccination mandate, citing her Catholic faith, which she claimed conflicted with the policy. However, her request was rejected.
According to her attorney, Jon Marko, Domski was working entirely remotely as an IT specialist during the pandemic and had been performing 75% of her duties from home even before the outbreak in 2020. Marko emphasized that his client posed no risk to her colleagues, stating, “she wasn’t a danger to anybody.”
The jury’s decision also included about $1.7 million for lost wages and $1 million for emotional distress and other noneconomic damages, reflecting the personal and professional impact of the termination on Domski.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has countered the claims, asserting that Domski did not have a sincerely held religious belief that justified an exemption. Following the verdict, the company expressed its disappointment and indicated it is considering its legal options going forward. The statement released by Blue Cross underscored respect for the jury process but also conveyed the company’s option to appeal the decision.
While the verdict marks a significant judgment in favor of the plaintiff, it also underscores the ongoing debates and legal battles surrounding workplace vaccination mandates. This case could potentially influence future policies and employer requirements, particularly concerning exemptions for religious or personal beliefs.
The outcome of this case reflects the complexities and challenges businesses and employees face as they navigate health requirements and personal freedoms in the wake of a global pandemic. As the legal processes continue, including a likely appeal from Blue Cross, further scrutiny of similar cases is expected as society grapples with balancing public health concerns and individual rights.
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