A Detroit federal jury awarded over $12 million on Friday to Lisa Domski, a longtime Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employee, after she claimed she was wrongfully terminated for refusing a COVID-19 vaccination on religious grounds.
The verdict included $10 million in punitive damages against Blue Cross, with the remaining amount covering lost wages and emotional distress.
Domski, who had worked at the insurance company for more than 30 years, argued that Blue Cross discriminated against her by denying a religious exemption to the company’s vaccine mandate.
Her attorney Jon Marko argued that Domski, a Catholic, believed the mandate contradicted her religious convictions.
During the pandemic, Domski worked fully remotely as an IT specialist, a role her attorney noted posed no risk to colleagues.
In addition to punitive damages, the jury awarded Domski approximately $1.7 million in lost pay and $1 million for non-economic damages.
Blue Cross, however, denied any discrimination, stating in earlier court documents that Domski did not have a “sincerely held religious belief” opposing the vaccine.
In a post-verdict statement the insurer said it was disappointed by the result adding, “While Blue Cross respects the jury process and thanks the individual jurors for their service, we are disappointed in the verdict.” The company stated it is reviewing its legal options and considering an appeal.
🚨 BREAKING: Woman fired for refusing COVID ‘vaccine’ wins record $12 million from employer.
Lisa Domski, who worked at the insurance company Blue Cross Blue as an IT specialist for over three decades, was fired from her position for refusing to take the jab, which has since… pic.twitter.com/IA6U6ABvJz
— Blake (@_BlakeHabyan) November 11, 2024
Good for her. Hopefully this blossoms and comes to include people injured by the jab…..