Terri Estepp, a dedicated employee of Huntington Bank for three decades, found herself facing a heart-wrenching dilemma when her daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in April 2023. Residing in California, Samantha’s diagnosis necessitated Estepp’s unwavering support, prompting her to exhaust the majority of her vacation days and paid time off to care for her ailing daughter. As Samantha’s condition deteriorated a year later, Estepp, having depleted her accrued time off, turned to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal safeguard designed to protect employees’ jobs while they attend to medical and family exigencies. She utilized four of her allotted twelve weeks of FMLA leave to be by Samantha’s side during her treatment. Upon returning to work, Estepp informed her superiors of the need for additional time off to continue supporting Samantha. However, instead of receiving the anticipated support, Estepp was abruptly terminated on the very same day, leaving her in a state of profound shock and disbelief.
Estepp’s termination delivered a crushing blow, particularly as it coincided with her daughter’s desperate battle against cancer. The timing of the dismissal amplified the already immense emotional burden Estepp carried, leaving her grappling with the loss of her job alongside the agonizing reality of her daughter’s deteriorating health. The unexpected termination not only severed Estepp’s financial stability but also cast a long shadow over the precious time she had left with Samantha. The shock and disbelief that followed were compounded by the lack of a clear explanation from Huntington Bank, leaving Estepp to grapple with the emotional and financial ramifications of the sudden job loss. This abrupt termination, following three decades of dedicated service, left Estepp feeling betrayed and bewildered, questioning the bank’s commitment to its employees, particularly in times of personal crisis.
The devastating impact of Estepp’s termination resonated deeply with Samantha, who tragically blamed herself for her mother’s predicament. The news of her mother’s job loss added another layer of anguish to Samantha’s already arduous battle with cancer. Hearing her daughter express guilt and remorse over the situation was a heartbreaking experience for Estepp, further intensifying the emotional turmoil she was already enduring. This incident underscores the far-reaching consequences of such decisions, highlighting how they can ripple through families, impacting not only the employee but also their loved ones. The added emotional burden on Samantha, already grappling with a life-threatening illness, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of corporate actions.
Just ten days after her dismissal, Samantha succumbed to her illness, leaving Estepp to grieve the loss of her daughter while simultaneously grappling with the injustice of her termination. The close proximity of these two life-altering events exacerbated Estepp’s grief and compounded the trauma of her daughter’s passing. This period marked a profound and devastating chapter in Estepp’s life, leaving her to navigate a complex landscape of grief, anger, and financial insecurity. The loss of her daughter, coupled with the unexpected job loss, created a perfect storm of emotional and financial distress.
Left with no clear explanation for her termination, Estepp sought legal counsel. Attorney Sarah Prescott filed a lawsuit against Huntington Bank, alleging that Estepp’s dismissal was a direct violation of the FMLA, a legal provision designed to protect employees in such circumstances. The lawsuit seeks to hold Huntington Bank accountable for its actions, alleging wrongful termination and a disregard for employee rights. Prescott emphasized Estepp’s longstanding and exemplary service to the bank, representing thousands of businesses and families over the years. This dedicated service, according to Prescott, makes the bank’s decision to terminate Estepp even more perplexing and underscores the apparent disregard for her loyalty and commitment.
While expressing condolences for Samantha’s passing, Huntington Bank denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Estepp’s termination was unrelated to her FMLA leave. The bank maintained that it acted in accordance with the law and that Estepp’s departure was based on other, unspecified grounds. This denial, however, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for Estepp, who remains convinced that her utilization of FMLA leave was the primary reason for her dismissal. The bank’s statement, while acknowledging the tragic loss of Estepp’s daughter, offered little solace and further fueled her determination to seek justice and expose what she perceives as a blatant violation of her rights. The case highlights the complexities of employment law and the challenges faced by employees seeking to balance their personal lives with their professional obligations.
