Former dealer wins $500,000 in lawsuit over firing

Monday, March 6, 2000 | 11:38 a.m.

CAMDEN, N.J. -- A former blackjack dealer at Caesars Atlantic City casino was awarded $500,000 by a jury in a lawsuit that alleged her dismissal violated the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

Michele Armstead, of Pleasantville, sued the casino after she was fired in October 1997 after working at the casino for 18 years. The casino cited excessive absenteeism in firing her.

U.S. District Judge Joseph E. Irenas told the jury that the casino violated the medical leave act and the panel only had to consider damages. The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act protects workers who are forced to take time off because of serious health conditions of their own or of family members.

The jury on Thursday awarded Armstead $175,000 in back pay and $325,000 in lost future wages. The panel was barred from considering punitive damages.

"We are aware of the situation and we are reviewing our options for appeal," Caesars spokesman Brian Cahill said in a statement Friday.

Armstead, who is in her mid-50s, had been granted medical leave for back problems during several of the days she was absent that were cited in her termination letter, said her attorney, William B. Hildebrand.

A month after she was fired, Armstead received a commendation for her job performance, Hildebrand said.

She had a history of disabling back problems, including a herniated disc, he said.