The heartbreaking story of Terri Estepp, a longtime employee of Huntington Bank, has sparked widespread outrage after she was fired for taking leave to care for her dying daughter.
Despite working for the company for 30 years, Estepp found herself terminated when she exhausted her vacation and paid leave and relied on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to be by her daughter’s side.
Her daughter, Samantha, who was battling an aggressive form of breast cancer, felt immense guilt over her mother’s job loss, adding to an already tragic situation.
A Mother’s Fight to Care for Her Dying Daughter
Terri Estepp’s ordeal began when her 31-year-old daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in April 2023. As a mother, Estepp was determined to support her child through the difficult battle, ensuring she had the care and comfort she needed. However, Samantha’s condition worsened over time, requiring constant medical attention and support.
Like any devoted mother, Estepp prioritized her daughter’s well-being, using all her available vacation days and paid leave to be with her. When those were depleted, she turned to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal law designed to protect employees who need unpaid leave for medical and family emergencies.
Under this law, employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid but job-protected leave within a year. Estepp had used only four of her 12 allotted weeks before her employment was abruptly terminated.
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Her dismissal came as a devastating shock, not only to her but also to Samantha. The young woman, already battling a terminal illness, blamed herself for her mother’s sudden unemployment.
In a heartbreaking moment, Samantha told her mother, “Mom, you lost your job because of me,” breaking down in tears. Tragically, just 10 days after Estepp was fired, Samantha lost her battle with cancer, leaving her mother to grieve not only her daughter’s passing but also the unexpected loss of her career.
Legal Battle Against Huntington Bank
Terri Estepp, feeling wronged by her termination, has taken legal action against Huntington Bank, suing them for violating her rights under FMLA. Her attorney, Sarah Prescott, has argued that Estepp had followed all the necessary legal procedures, properly filing her leave request and notifying the company in a timely manner.
“It’s a law that requires you to do all the right paperwork and ask on time. Terri had done all of that,” Prescott stated, emphasizing that her client had acted responsibly in seeking protected leave. Despite this, the bank decided to fire her on the very day she returned to work and requested additional leave.
Huntington Bank has defended its actions, claiming that they are fully compliant with employment laws, including the FMLA. In a statement, the company said, “We are committed to compliance with all employment laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, and we acted appropriately in this matter.”
However, their decision to terminate a grieving mother who had just lost her daughter has been met with widespread condemnation.
The Human Cost of Corporate Policies
Estepp’s case has raised serious concerns about how corporations handle employees facing personal tragedies. While companies claim to comply with employment laws, cases like this highlight the challenges employees face when they need time off for emergencies.
The fact that a mother had to choose between her job and her dying child, only to be fired despite following legal procedures, raises ethical questions about corporate responsibility.
For many employees, FMLA is a lifeline that allows them to handle medical emergencies without fear of losing their jobs. However, Estepp’s case demonstrates how some employers may use legal loopholes or rigid policies to circumvent the spirit of the law.
This situation has led to discussions about whether additional protections are needed to ensure employees are not punished for taking leave during family crises.
The public response to Estepp’s firing has been one of anger and disappointment, with many calling for greater accountability for employers who dismiss workers under such circumstances.
The case also serves as a warning to employees to be aware of their rights under FMLA and to seek legal assistance if they believe their rights have been violated.
As Estepp continues her legal battle, her story has become a symbol of the need for more compassionate workplace policies, ensuring that no employee has to endure job loss while caring for a dying loved one.