Tonkonow v. First Union National Bank, No. Cv00-0273890-S (Jun. 27, 2001)

**Court Denies Bank Employee's Request for Jury Trial** This case involved a dispute between an employee named Tonkonow and First Union National Bank. The specific details of their employment disagreement aren't provided, but the employee wanted to have their case decided by a jury rather than just a judge. The court ruled against the employee, denying their request for a jury trial. The judge found that Tonkonow had waited too long to ask for a jury trial under Connecticut law, missing the required deadline. The court also determined that there were no special circumstances that would justify making an exception to allow the late request. **What This Means for Workers:** This ruling highlights an important procedural issue that workers should understand when filing employment lawsuits. In many states, including Connecticut, there are strict deadlines for requesting a jury trial. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose the right to have your case heard by a jury, even if you have a valid employment claim. For workers considering legal action against their employers, this case emphasizes the importance of working with an attorney who understands these procedural requirements and can ensure all deadlines are met properly.