Red Bank Woman's Suit Claims Verizon Fired Her After Babies Died: Report

A Red Bank woman has filed suit against Verizon Communications claiming she was fired when she filed for long-term disability after her two baby sons died, according to a report.

The Asbury Park Press reported that Marybeth Walz, a 17-year employee of Verizon, said the company denied her request for paid maternity leave and then demoted and fired when she filed for disability after her two infant sons, who were born with the help of a surrogate, died.

Walz’s lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, accusing Verizon of violating the Family Medical Leave Act, as well as for sex, pregnancy and disability discrimination, according to the report.

Verizon spokesman Ray McConville told the Asbury Park Press he could not comment on specifics, citing the pending lawsuit. “We deny any claims of discrimination in this case,” he said.

In her lawsuit, Walz said she used a surrogate to carry her babies after cervical cancer forced Walz to have a hysterectomy, according to the report. Verizon denied her request for maternity leave because she was not physically pregnant.

The babies were born prematurely, with one dying a day later and the second succumbing to cancer six months later, according to the report. Walz’s suit claims she was fired after she sought long-term disability to deal with her grief, according to the report.

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