Vaccine

Jury Sides with Former Employee over Religious Exemption to Vaccine Mandate, Awards Over $600,000 in Damages

by

Chattanooga, Tennessee — A Chattanooga-based health insurance company, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, has been ordered to pay $687,000 to a former employee who was dismissed for not complying with the company’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. A federal jury concluded after a three-day trial that the company failed to reasonably accommodate Tanja Benton’s religious beliefs. Benton, a biostatistical research scientist, predominantly worked from home and maintained her work responsibilities did not necessitate physical interaction, which she argued made her physical vaccination unnecessary. She held the position for over six years before her termination in November 2021. Benton’s … Read more

Jury Awards Ex-BlueCross Scientist Over $687K for COVID-19 Vaccine Dismissal on Religious Grounds

by

Chattanooga, TN – A Tennessee federal court has awarded more than $687,000 to a former BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee scientist after she was dismissed for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, citing religious beliefs. The decision, which could influence the way companies handle similar cases, underscores the conflicts between employer policies and individual rights under religious freedom protections. Tanja Benton, a longtime employee with over 17 years at BlueCross BlueShield, held a position as a bio statistical scientist before her separation from the company. The legal proceedings established that her refusal of the vaccine stemmed from … Read more

Tennessee Jury Awards $687K to Woman Terminated for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine

by

Nashville, Tennessee — A Tennessee jury has awarded a woman nearly $700,000 after she was fired from her job due to her refusal to comply with her employer’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The verdict comes amid ongoing debates over workplace mandates and personal freedoms. Jean Marie Wilson, formerly an events manager at Ramsey Solutions, claimed she was wrongfully terminated after expressing religious objections to receiving the vaccine. The company, led by personal finance advisor Dave Ramsey, had implemented a vaccination requirement for its employees, citing health and operational reasons. The jury sided with Wilson, ruling that … Read more

Merck’s Challenge on Shingles Vaccine Sparks Debate Over Mass Torts Case Management

by

Trenton, New Jersey – The pharmaceutical company Merck is set to appeal a court decision regarding its shingles vaccine, which has sparked controversy over its mass torts case management tool. The appeal will test the implications of a controversial legal precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for future complex litigations. The case revolves around a claim by a group of plaintiffs who allege that Merck’s vaccine caused them to develop severe complications, including nerve damage and chronic pain. The plaintiffs argue that Merck should be held liable for the alleged injuries, as they believe the … Read more