DETROIT — In a substantial legal decision, a former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was awarded over $12 million after she was terminated for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine, a decision she argued violated her religious beliefs. The jury, ruling on the case in Detroit federal court, ordered the hefty payout, citing substantial punitive damages against the insurance giant.
The majority of the award, totaling $10 million, was allocated for punitive damages, signifying the jury’s stance on the severity of the case. In addition, Lisa Domski, the plaintiff, was compensated with approximately $1.7 million for lost wages and another $1 million for emotional distress and suffering.
Domski, a veteran at Blue Cross Blue Shield with more than three decades of service, contended her dismissal was an act of religious discrimination. She argued that her refusal to comply with the company’s vaccine mandate in 2021 was due to her devout Catholic beliefs. Despite her long tenure and her position as an IT specialist—which saw her working entirely remotely during the pandemic and 75% remotely prior—the company declined her request for a religious exemption.
Throughout the trial, Domski’s legal representative, Jon Marko, emphasized that his client posed no threat to her colleagues as she performed her duties from home. He argued that Domski’s dismissal was not only unnecessary but unjust, highlighting the lack of direct contact with other employees or the need to be physically present at any company facility.
Blue Cross has consistently denied that their actions constituted discrimination. They maintained that Domski did not have a sincerely held religious belief that justified an exemption from the vaccination policy. The insurance firm expressed disappointment at the jury’s verdict, underscoring their respect for the jury process but disagreeing with the outcome.
“We thank the jurors for their service; however, we are disappointed with the verdict,” the company stated. “Blue Cross is reviewing its legal options and will determine its future course of action in the coming days.”
This case may set a precedent for how companies handle vaccine mandates and religious exemptions, especially as many continue to navigate the evolving landscape of workplace health policies post-pandemic.
Legal experts suggest that this verdict could prompt other organizations to reassess their health policy strategies to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs without compromising workplace safety protocols.
While Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan may consider an appeal, as of now, the judgment stands as a notable example in the ongoing discussions about individual rights and corporate policies during a public health crisis.
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