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Facebook Photos Lead to Loss of Sick Leave Benefits
A woman diagnosed with clinical depression recently had her sick-leave benefits terminated after her employer’s insurance company found photos of her on Facebook. Nathalie Blanchard of Bromont, Québec has been on long-term sick-leave for more than 18 months, battling severe chronic depression. This fall Manulife, her insurance provider, terminated her benefits. Ms. Blanchard alleges that Manulife stated it terminated her benefits due to photos she posted on Facebook that showed she was able to work. These photos showed her at a Chippendales bar show, at her birthday party and on a beach vacation. Ms. Blanchard has stated that she took trips based on her psychiatrist’s advice.
Ms. Blanchard has filed a lawsuit against Manulife to have her benefits reinstated. According to her lawyer, while Manulife has a right to investigate beneficiaries suspected of cheating and to use Facebook as a trigger for the investigation, the company cannot terminate Ms. Blanchard’s benefits solely based upon Facebook photos. While Manulife has refused to comment specifically on Ms. Blanchard’s case, it has said: “We would not deny or terminate a valid claim solely based on information published on websites such as Facebook.”
Ms. Blanchard’s case will be heard before the Quebec Superior Court on December 8, 2009.
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