The retail giant, Walmart, has settled a discriminatory same-sex benefits lawsuit. They have agreed to pay $7.5 million after resolving a lawsuit filed in 2015 by a Massachusetts employee. That employee alleged being repeatedly denied health coverage for her wife due to their same-sex marriage. The lawsuit was brought as a class action and intended to cover other Walmart employees in same-sex marriages that were denied health insurance.
Although Walmart has denied these claims, it has agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve the matter. The settlement, which is awaiting court approval, would cover claims of employees who were unable to obtain health insurance for their same-sex spouses from 2011 to 2013. The exact number of individuals affected by the settlement is unknown but is expected to be “a few thousand” current and former Walmart associates. If the settlement is approved, the $7.5 million would first cover legal costs and then be allocated to cover the member’s claims. According to the settlement, participants had potential damages that ranged from hundreds of dollars up to fifteen thousand dollars.
Unfortunately, discrimination can still happen anywhere and is often difficult to navigate, especially if it occurs in the workplace. If you or anyone you know feels as if they are being discriminated at work, and are missing out on benefits, please give the employment attorneys of Fitapelli & Schaffer a call. We offer a free phone consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Discuss your questions and concerns and see if you may have a claim. You can reach us at (212) 300-0375 or visit our website at fslawfirm.com