The Tragic Case of Terri Estepp and Huntington Bank: A Deep Dive into Alleged FMLA Violations
Terri Estepp, a dedicated employee of Huntington Bank for three decades, found herself in the heart-wrenching situation of balancing her professional obligations with the urgent need to care for her terminally ill daughter, Samantha. Samantha, residing in California, received the devastating diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer in April 2023. Estepp exhausted her vacation days and paid time off to support her daughter during this challenging period.
As Samantha’s condition deteriorated a year later, Estepp was faced with the stark reality of having depleted her leave time. In an effort to provide her daughter with the care and support she desperately needed, Estepp invoked her rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This federal law mandates that eligible employees receive job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons. Estepp utilized four of her allotted twelve weeks under FMLA to attend to her daughter’s treatment regimen.
Upon returning to work, Estepp informed her superiors of the necessity for additional time off to continue caring for Samantha. However, instead of receiving the support and understanding she anticipated, Estepp alleges she was abruptly terminated the same day, bringing her 30-year tenure at the bank to an unexpected and painful end. The shock and devastation of this dismissal were compounded by Samantha’s self-blame for her mother’s job loss, adding another layer of anguish to an already unbearable situation. Samantha tragically succumbed to her illness in 2024 at the young age of 31, just ten days after Estepp’s alleged wrongful termination.
Estepp maintains that Huntington Bank never provided a clear reason for her dismissal, leaving her with unanswered questions and a deep sense of injustice. Legal counsel for Estepp, attorney Sarah Prescott, filed a lawsuit against Huntington Bank alleging a violation of the FMLA. The lawsuit contends that Estepp’s termination was a direct result of her exercising her legally protected right to take leave for the care of a critically ill family member. The lawsuit highlights the devastating impact of this alleged violation, not only on Estepp’s professional life but also on her emotional well-being as she grappled with the loss of her daughter and the sudden termination of her long-term employment.
Prescott underscores Estepp’s significant contributions during her tenure at Huntington Bank, where she represented over 6,000 businesses and families. This detail emphasizes the breadth of Estepp’s professional responsibilities and further highlights the perceived injustice of her dismissal, particularly during such a trying personal circumstance. Estepp’s desire for accountability extends beyond her personal experience. She aims to prevent similar situations from occurring to other employees who find themselves in need of FMLA protection, seeking to ensure that individuals are not penalized for prioritizing the well-being of their loved ones.
In response to the lawsuit, Huntington Bank expressed condolences for Estepp’s loss but denied any wrongdoing. The bank maintains that Estepp’s departure was unrelated to her FMLA leave, asserting compliance with all employment laws, including the FMLA. This denial sets the stage for a legal battle to determine the true circumstances surrounding Estepp’s termination and whether Huntington Bank acted in accordance with the law. The case raises important questions about the responsibilities of employers to their employees during times of personal crisis and the potential ramifications for failing to uphold these responsibilities.
This case underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls of navigating the FMLA process for both employees and employers. While the law is designed to protect employees during critical family and medical situations, its practical application can be fraught with challenges. Estepp’s situation highlights the need for clear communication and understanding between employers and employees regarding FMLA rights and responsibilities, as well as the importance of robust internal procedures to ensure compliance and prevent potential violations. The case also serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of workplace disputes and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families already facing extraordinary hardship. The legal proceedings will determine the validity of Estepp’s claims and the consequences, if any, for Huntington Bank’s actions. Beyond the legal implications, however, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the workplace, particularly during life’s most challenging moments.
