Michigan jury awards millions to a woman fired after refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine

2024-12-25 23:45:30 source:lotradecoin featureset category:Finance

DETROIT (AP) — A jury awarded more than $12 million Friday to a woman who lost her job at a Michigan insurance company after declining to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

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, said she was a victim of religious discrimination. The company in 2021 did not grant an exemption from its vaccine policy, despite her insistence that it clashed with her Catholic beliefs.

Domski’s attorney, Jon Marko, said she worked 100% remotely as an IT specialist during the pandemic; 75% before COVID-19 hit in 2020.

Even without the vaccine, “she wasn’t a danger to anybody,” Marko said in an interview after the trial.

Besides punitive damages, the jury in Detroit federal court awarded Domski about $1.7 million in lost pay and $1 million in noneconomic damages.

Blue Cross denied any discrimination. In a court filing earlier in the case, the insurer said Domski lacked a sincerely held religious belief.

An appeal is possible. Blue Cross released a statement but didn’t make anyone available for comment.

“While Blue Cross respects the jury process and thanks the individual jurors for their service, we are disappointed in the verdict,” the health insurer said. “Blue Cross is reviewing its legal options and will determine its path forward in the coming days.”

More:Finance

Recommend

California judges say they’re underpaid, and their new lawsuit could cost taxpayers millions

California judges make a good living. They earn at least $240,000 and can count on a raise just abou

Anthropologie’s Best Sale Ever Is Happening Right Now - Save an Extra 50% off Sale Styles

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like

China-Taiwan tension brings troops, missiles and anxiety to Japan's paradise island of Ishigaki

Ishigaki, Japan — President Biden hosted Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at an official state d