Tennessee Woman, Fired for Refusing Employer's COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate, Wins $687K | 2 July 2024 | A Tennessee woman has won a nearly $700,000 settlement after she was fired for refusing to take the coronavirus vaccine, which her employer mandated. A federal jury determined that Tanja Benton, who previously worked for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST), be awarded the money, Fox 17 reported Monday. The jury found that her choice not to take the vaccine "was based on a sincerely held religious belief." Per the Fox 17 report, Benton asked for a religious exemption but was denied and ultimately fired. However, she fought back by filing a federal lawsuit. "As part of its verdict, the federal jury awarded Benton $177,240 in back pay, $10,000 in compensatory damages, and $500,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $687,240," the Fox 17 report said.