BlueCross BlueShield Ordered to Pay $700,000 to Employee Fired Over Vaccine Mandate

Federal jury rules in favor of Tanja Benton, citing sincerely held religious beliefs and lack of reasonable accommodation.

Tanja Benton was awarded $687,240 in back pay, compensatory, and punitive damages.
Benton, a biostatistical research scientist, worked remotely and had minimal client interaction.
Her religious exemption request was denied despite her remote work status.
The case highlighted the conflict between public health mandates and individual religious beliefs.
A class-action lawsuit against BlueCross BlueShield for similar terminations is pending.