In a significant legal victory, a Michigan woman has been awarded nearly $13 million after being fired for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds. This case raises important questions about employer mandates and religious freedoms that could affect many others.
Key Facts:
– A federal jury awarded nearly $13 million to former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employee, Lisa Domski.
– Domski was fired after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine due to her Catholic faith.
– She worked remotely as an IT specialist for 38 years before her termination.
– The company allegedly denied her religious exemption request without proper consideration.
– Over 170 similar lawsuits are pending against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The Rest of The Story:
Lisa Domski dedicated 38 years to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as an IT specialist, often working from her home office.
When the company introduced a vaccine mandate in October 2021, she requested a religious exemption based on her Catholic beliefs.
She provided a written statement and contact information for her priest, but the company did not follow up.
Instead, her employer denied the exemption and warned that she would be terminated if she didn’t comply.
Believing she posed no risk while working remotely, Domski stood by her convictions and was subsequently fired.
A federal jury in Detroit ruled in her favor, awarding her nearly $13 million in damages for religious discrimination.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan expressed disappointment in the verdict and is considering its legal options.
Meanwhile, attorney Jon Marko, who represented Domski, is preparing to represent 170 others in similar cases against the company, with trials set to begin next year.
Michigan Jury Awards $12 Million to Woman Fired After Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine
"Much of the award – $10 million – is for punitive damages against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, according to the verdict form. Lisa Domski, who worked at Blue Cross for more than 30 years,… pic.twitter.com/qZpOkV3ijf
— McCullough Foundation (@McCulloughFund) November 9, 2024
Commentary:
This verdict is a welcome affirmation of religious freedom in the workplace.
Employees like Ms. Domski should not have to choose between their faith and their jobs, especially when reasonable accommodations can be made.
Working remotely, she posed no threat to anyone’s health, yet her employer dismissed her sincere beliefs.
We hope this case sets a precedent for others who were wrongfully terminated for refusing the vaccine on religious grounds.
Companies must respect individual rights and handle exemption requests with the seriousness they deserve.
The Bottom Line:
The awarding of nearly $13 million to a woman fired over a vaccine mandate highlights the ongoing tension between public health policies and individual religious rights.
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As more cases like this emerge, employers may need to reevaluate their approaches to vaccine mandates and accommodations.