Detroit, MI – A federal jury in Detroit has ruled in favor of a former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, awarding her over $12 million on Friday after she was terminated for refusing to comply with the company’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The woman claimed her dismissal was due to religious discrimination.
Lisa Domski, a former IT specialist who had been with the company for over three decades, argued that her Catholic faith prevented her from receiving the vaccine. Despite working entirely from home during the pandemic and 75% remotely before the outbreak, Blue Cross Blue Shield declined her request for a religious exemption when they implemented the vaccination policy in 2021.
The significant sum awarded by the jury included $10 million in punitive damages, signaling a strong stance against the insurance giant’s decision to terminate Domski’s employment. Additionally, she was awarded approximately $1.7 million for lost wages and $1 million for emotional distress and mental anguish.
Throughout the trial, Domski’s legal team emphasized that her remote work setup eliminated any risk she might pose to colleagues, asserting that her unvaccinated status did not endanger anyone.
Blue Cross Blue Shield maintained that Domski’s refusal to get vaccinated was not protected under religious grounds, alleging her beliefs about the vaccine were not sincerely held. The company has expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision and is currently considering its legal options, including the possibility of an appeal.
The verdict arrives amid ongoing debates about workplace mandates for vaccines, posing challenging questions about individual rights and public health responsibilities. This case highlights the complexities businesses face when health policy and employee beliefs collide.
The decision could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially concerning remote workers and religious accommodations in health mandates.
Blue Cross Blue Shield commented on the verdict, stating: “While Blue Cross respects the jury process and thanks the individual jurors for their service, we are disappointed in the verdict.” The company will be determining its next steps over the coming days.
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