Marrero V. Amazon.Com Services Llc

Case Background

On February 14, 2023, Plaintiff Milaine Marrero filed a lawsuit in the Florida District Court, Miami Division (Case number: 1:23cv20601). The case was presided over by Judge Melissa Damian and referred to Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle. Marrero alleged wrongful termination and  multiple violations of federal labor laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).

Facts

Milaine Marrero began her employment with Amazon on January 6, 2020. On April 30, 2021, she requested medical leave for periodontitis, a serious gum infection requiring surgery. Initially approved for FMLA leave from May 14 to May 28, 2021, Marrero encountered complications when she required additional recovery time and clearance from her doctor.

The complaint detailed Marrero’s efforts to extend her leave. Between May 25 and June 2, 2021, she made several calls to Amazon, explaining her ongoing treatment and need for further surgery. Marrero claimed she submitted all necessary paperwork to support her request for an extension until June 18, 2021. Despite these efforts, Amazon allegedly mishandled her request.

On June 10, 2021, Amazon terminated Marrero’s employment, citing “job abandonment” due to three unexcused absences from May 29 to June 10. Marrero contended that this termination violated her rights under federal laws.

Injuries

As a result of Amazon’s actions, Milaine Marrero suffered significant financial loss, including wages and benefits. She also experienced emotional distress from alleged discrimination and retaliation. Her career progression was disrupted, potentially harming her professional reputation and future employment prospects. The denial of her request for extended leave affected her medical treatment and recovery from periodontitis, potentially exacerbating her health condition. Marrero also incurred legal costs pursuing her claims against Amazon.

Damages

The complaint sought various forms of relief, including reinstatement to her former position or an equivalent role, back pay and benefits, liquidated damages, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees in wrongful termination lawsuit. Marrero also requested injunctive relief to prevent future violations.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff: Milaine Marrero
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Patrick Brooks LaRou | Roberto Jose Gonzalez

 

  • Defendant: Amazon.com Services LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: Dawn Elizabeth Siler-Nixon | Elizabeth Mercedes Rodriguez | Viktoryia Johnson | Ena Teresa Diaz | Miguel Angel Morel | Sinead Elizabeth Daly | Stefanie M. Mederos

Claims

Marrero accused Amazon of interfering with her FMLA rights by mishandling her leave extension request and wrongfully  terminating her during her request for additional leave. She also claimed retaliation under the FMLA, arguing that her leave request motivated Amazon’s decision to terminate her.

Additionally, Marrero alleged violations of the ADA and ADAAA, asserting that her condition qualified as a disability under these acts, impacting major life activities such as eating and mobility. She claimed Amazon failed to provide reasonable accommodations by denying her extended leave request and accused the company of disability discrimination.

Defense

Amazon denied most of Marrero’s allegations, asserting that any actions taken were for legitimate business reasons. They argued that even if decisions were partly based on unlawful grounds, they would have been made for other legitimate reasons. Amazon claimed good-faith efforts to prevent workplace discrimination and asserted defenses such as failure to mitigate damages and jurisdictional prerequisites.

Jury Verdict

On June 28, 2024, the Miami Jury ruled in favor of the Defendant, Amazon.com Services LLC in a wrongful termination lawsuit. They found that Ms. Marrero was not entitled to FMLA leave and did not qualify as having a “disability” under relevant laws based on the evidence presented.

Court Documents:

Available upon Request