Michigan Mom Claims She Was Fired After Taking Family Medical Leave to Care for Daughter Who Died of Breast Cancer

Mar. 15, 2025

Terri Estepp.Photo:Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV

Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV

A Michigan mother is suing her former workplace, Huntington Bank, claiming they unlawfully fired her for taking family medical leave, according to a new complaint.

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Estepp noted in her complaint that her daughter Samantha died on May 10, 2024, a little over a week after she says she was fired from her job at the bank. She claimed in court documents that she “never received a specific basis for termination or wrong” from her bosses at the time.

She also alleged that prior to taking leave from the company, she had received “consistently stellar reviews and innumerable accolades,” per court documents. Additionally, she claimed that her personal file at the company was filled in “performance reviews” referring to her achievements and her “ability to bring out the ‘success of her colleagues.’ "

According to the complaint, Estepp is asking for economic and liquidated damages, attorneys fees, interest and costs and “all the relief deemed just and proper.”

A Huntington Bank branch in Troy, Michigan, on April 13, 2023.Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty

Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty

“While Huntington Bank does not comment on active litigation, we are committed to compliance with all employment laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, and we acted appropriately in this matter,” the company said.

“Ms. Estepp’s departure from Huntington Bank was unrelated to an FMLA leave of absence,” they added in the statement.

Estepp’s lawyers at Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter, PLLC, as well as reps for Huntington Bank, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

source: people.com