A Michigan woman, Terri Estepp, has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Bank, alleging she was wrongfully terminated for taking leave to care for her terminally ill daughter. Estepp, who had been with the bank for 30 years, utilized her sick days, vacation time, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to be by her daughter Samantha’s side as she battled triple-negative breast cancer.
A Mother’s Struggle to Care for Her Daughter
After exhausting her paid leave, Estepp used four of her 12 weeks of FMLA leave to continue caring for her daughter, CBS News reported. Samantha, 31, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023, and her condition steadily worsened. Tragically, within 10 days of her mother losing her job, she passed away.
The news of her termination deeply affected Samantha, with Estepp recalling an emotional phone call where her daughter blamed herself. “She started to cry on the phone and said, ‘Mom, you lost your job because of me,’” Estepp shared.
Legal Action Against the Employer
Estepp’s attorney, Sarah Prescott, has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Bank, arguing that her client followed all the legal procedures required under FMLA. “This law requires employees to complete the proper paperwork and request leave on time. Terri did everything by the book,” Prescott stated.
Upon returning to work, Estepp requested additional leave but was unexpectedly dismissed the same day. “I was in complete shock. I wasn’t prepared for this at all,” she said.
Bank’s Response to the Lawsuit
In response to the allegations, Huntington Bank stated that they remain committed to complying with all employment laws, including FMLA regulations. “We acted appropriately in this matter,” the bank noted in a statement.
Estepp’s case highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace policies and protections for employees facing personal and family medical crises. The lawsuit seeks to hold the employer accountable for what Estepp and her legal team argue was an unjust dismissal during a time of extreme personal hardship.
