No Damages Awarded in FMLA Violation Lawsuit Against A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.

Beesecker V. Ay Mcdonald Mfg Co

Case Background

On April 10, 2023, April Beesecker filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against her employer A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. alleging violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

The case was filed in the United States District Court, Iowa Northern. The case was assigned to Chief Judge CJ Williams and referred to Magistrate Judge Mark A Roberts. [Case number: 2:23cv1006]

Cause

April Beesecker, a resident of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, had been employed by Defendant A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. for approximately 10 years as a Customer Service Representative at the company’s Dubuque, Iowa, facility. She was eligible for FMLA leave as of June 2022, having worked more than 1,250 hours in the previous 12-month period and having been employed for over 12 months.

A.Y. McDonald employed more than 50 people within a 75-mile radius, making it subject to the FMLA’s requirements. During her employment, Beesecker’s mother required knee surgery, which necessitated ongoing medical treatment. On May 25, 2022, Beesecker requested FMLA leave to care for her mother. The Defendant approved this request on June 14, 2022, granting her leave from June 20-21 through July 1, 2022, with a scheduled return date of July 5, 2022.

However, when Beesecker returned to work on July 5, 2022, she was terminated. The decision to discharge her was partially based on her absences related to her FMLA leave and her taking time off to care for her mother’s serious health condition. Beesecker contended that her termination was directly linked to her exercise of FMLA rights, which are protected under federal law. As a result, Beesecker filed this lawsuit, alleging that A.Y. McDonald retaliated against her for taking FMLA leave, violating the protections afforded under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Damages

As a direct result of Defendant’s violation of the FMLA, Beesecker sought compensation for back wages lost from July 5, 2022, through the trial date, as well as the value of lost employment benefits, including pension, retirement, and health insurance coverage. She also sought interest on all amounts at the prevailing rate, liquidated damages equal to her lost wages and benefits, and other compensatory damages, including interest.

Under 29 U.S.C. § 2617(a)(3), Beesecker was entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and other costs associated with the case. She also sought equitable relief, including reinstatement or, alternatively, front pay, as provided under 29 U.S.C. § 2617.

Therefore, Beesecker requested that the court enter judgment in her favor against A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. for an appropriate amount of compensatory and liquidated damages. She also sought reimbursement for legal and expert witness fees, as well as any other equitable relief the court deemed necessary.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiff(s): April Beesecker
  • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): John Frederick Doak | Aaron Michael Curry

• Defendant(s): A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
  • Counsel for Defendant(s): Abbey C Furlong | Jenny Leann Juehring

Claims

Defense

Defendant A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. denied the allegations of FMLA violation and requested the Court to dismiss the Plaintiff’s claims against it.

Jury Verdict

On October 9, 2024, the jury returned a verdict for the Defendant after determining that the Defendant would have terminated the Plaintiff regardless of the exercise of her rights under FMLA.

On October 10, 2024, Chief Judge C.J. Williams passed a final judgment consistent with the verdict.

Court Documents:

Available upon request