A federal jury in Detroit has awarded nearly $13 million to Lisa Domski, a former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employee, who was fired for refusing a Covid-19 vaccine due to her Catholic beliefs.

The verdict, delivered late last year, marks a significant case in the ongoing debate over workplace vaccine mandates and religious accommodations.

Ms. Domski, an IT specialist with over 38 years at Blue Cross, claimed religious discrimination after the insurer denied her exemption request in 2021 and terminated her employment. She argued that the vaccine conflicted with her faith, citing Catholic teachings. Blue Cross countered that Domski’s beliefs were not sincerely held and that her refusal violated company policy during the pandemic.

The jury, however, found that Blue Cross unlawfully discriminated by rejecting her exemption and firing her, awarding $1.7 million in lost wages, $1 million in noneconomic damages, and $10 million in punitive damages.

“This victory is for everyone who’s lost their job for standing up for their faith,” said Ms. Domski’s attorney, Jon Marko. He emphasized that Blue Cross ignored Ms. Domski’s request despite granting exemptions to others, including those with medical or secular objections. The company’s policy, enacted in 2021, required all employees to be vaccinated unless granted an exemption, a measure Blue Cross defended as necessary for workplace safety.

The case has broader implications, as Blue Cross faces over 100 similar lawsuits from former employees fired for declining the vaccine. Court records from February 2025 indicate settlement talks are underway, prompted by Lisa Domski’s win. In April 2025, Blue Cross and Ms. Domski agreed to dismiss her claims with prejudice, signaling a resolution, though details remain undisclosed.

The verdict has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters hail it as a win for religious freedom, while critics argue it undermines public health mandates. Blue Cross, which recently laid off 220 employees to cut costs, continues to navigate legal and financial challenges, including a $421 million fraud verdict in a separate case.

Lisa Domski’s award highlights tensions between individual rights and corporate policies, with experts predicting more legal battles as workplace mandates continue to evolve.

We applaud each and every citizen who has stood firm for their rights. Every legal win furthers support for all who follow. We must continue to stand against the ever- increasing authoritarianism we are seeing in Western countries.

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