The False Claims Act prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee "because of" his or her protected conduct. In a case of first impression recently decided, Lestage v. Coloplast Corp., the First Circuit explained the meaning of "because of." Lestage, a salesperson, sued Coloplast alleging that, after it learned she had filed a qui tam action against it and against one of its customers, Coloplast retaliated against her in violation of the False Claims Act by placing her on leave and then assigning her inferior accounts when she returned. A jury trial awarded Lestage $762,525 in compensatory damages. Coloplast unsuccessfully moved for judgment as a matter of law and new trial, and then appealed. The First Circuit affirmed the judgment.
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act
On January 1, 2021, the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act ("PFML") will begin providing benefits to eligible workers. Eligible workers will be entitled to the following benefits:
