Wrongful Firing Suit Leads to $377K Settlement in Iowa

Iowa has settled a case with a state worker who had sued after being fired from the Polk County Clerk of Court’s office in 2004.

The Des Moines Register says the state agreed to pay Tina Lee more than $377,000 in back wages and post-judgment interest.

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled in March that Iowa had violated Lee’s rights under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Lee was fired after she took time off to cope with anxiety. Lee sued, alleging wrongful discharge and retaliation. In 2007 a jury found in her favor and she was awarded lost earnings totaling $165,122, attorney fees and expenses.

The state had argued originally and in appeals that it had sovereign immunity against being sued for damages under the federal act.