DETROIT, USA – A federal jury in Detroit awarded more than $12 million on Friday, November 8, 2024, to a former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, BCBSM, who claimed she was wrongfully dismissed for refusing to comply with the company’s COVID-19 vaccine policy on religious grounds.
Lisa Domski, an IT specialist who worked with BCBSM for over 30 years, was awarded $10 million in punitive damages, approximately $1.7 million in lost wages, and $1 million in non-economic damages.
The verdict is one of the most significant in recent cases addressing workplace vaccine mandates.
Domski alleged that the insurer discriminated against her by denying her exemption request, which she said was based on her Catholic faith.
Court records show Domski had been working entirely remotely during the pandemic, with a 75% remote work arrangement even before COVID-19.
Her lawyer, Jon Marko, argued that her remote status posed no risk to others and that the dismissal was a violation of her religious rights.
“Our forefathers fought and died for the freedom for each American to practice his or her own religion,” Marko said in a statement.
“Neither the government nor a corporation has a right to force an individual to choose between their career and their conscience.
“Lisa refused to renounce her faith and was wrongfully terminated from the only job she had ever known.
“The jury’s verdict today tells BCBSM that religious discrimination has no place and affirms each person’s right to religious freedom.”
BCBSM had implemented a vaccination policy in October 2021, which required all employees to be fully vaccinated or to secure a religious or medical exemption.
The company stated that its approach prioritised employee and public health but respected “sincerely held religious beliefs.”
Throughout the trial, BCBSM maintained that Domski’s claim did not reflect a genuine religious objection.
Following the verdict, BCBSM issued a statement defending its vaccine policy: “Throughout the pandemic, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, together with its employees, worked to promote the health and safety of our colleagues, stakeholders, and communities. In implementing the vaccine policy, Blue Cross designed an accommodation process that complied with state and federal law and respected the sincerely held religious beliefs of its employees.”
Expressing disappointment, BCBSM added that it is “reviewing its legal options” and may appeal the decision.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for vaccine mandate disputes, highlighting the balancing act between workplace health policies and individual religious freedoms.
