Sam v. Stone Security Service, Inc.

**Worker Wins $83,935 After Being Fired for Taking Family Medical Leave** This case involved Courtney Bowles-Snailer, who sued her former employer Texoma Labs after being fired for taking time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Bowles-Snailer claimed the company interfered with her legal right to take medical leave and then retaliated against her by terminating her employment. The court ruled in favor of Bowles-Snailer, awarding her $83,935 in total damages. This included $61,436 in back pay (wages she should have earned) plus additional damages, $14,248 in future lost wages, $1,390 in unpaid wages under Oklahoma state law, and $6,861 to cover her attorney's fees. The company failed to defend itself in court, resulting in a default judgment. **What this means for workers:** This case reinforces that employers cannot punish employees for taking legally protected medical leave. If your employer fires you or retaliates against you for using FMLA leave, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation including lost wages, additional damages, and attorney's fees. Workers have strong legal protections when taking time off for serious medical conditions.