Alabama Supreme Court Upholds Verdict Against Envoy Air

The court confirmed a liability finding for retaliatory firing but ordered further review of the $675,000 damages award.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Human Resources

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized, geometric dome of the Alabama State Capitol, symbolizing judicial oversight. — The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed a liability verdict against Envoy Air in a retaliatory firing case, ordering further review of damages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should workers compensation laws protect employees from termination even when falsification is alleged?

The Alabama Supreme Court has upheld a jury verdict finding Envoy Air liable for the retaliatory firing of Jada Creagh. While the liability ruling stands, the court has directed the trial court to provide a written explanation for maintaining the $675,000 damages award.

Why it matters

The case centers on allegations that Envoy Air fired Creagh in retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim after a shoulder injury. The employer had contended the termination was based on the employee allegedly falsifying a doctor's note regarding lifting restrictions.

The jury award includes $250,000 for mental anguish and $425,000 in punitive damages. The dispute originated from a 10-pound lifting restriction compared to the job requirement of 50 pounds.

The players

Jada Creagh

She is the former employee who successfully sued Envoy Air for retaliatory discharge.

Envoy Air

This is a regional airline subsidiary of American Airlines Group headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Alabama Supreme Court

This is the highest judicial body in Alabama responsible for interpreting state law and reviewing lower court decisions.

The details

Evidence presented suggested a station manager at Mobile Regional Airport altered a medical note to justify the dismissal, while human resources merely authorized the firing. Four justices dissented from the majority opinion delivered by the Alabama Supreme Court.

Oct. 25, 2018: Jada Creagh suffered a shoulder injury at work.
Nov. 2018: Creagh returned to work with lifting restrictions.
Jan. 7, 2019: Envoy Air terminated Jada Creagh's employment.
Oct. 16, 2026: The Alabama Supreme Court issued the ruling.

Market Landscape

This case highlights the growing legal risks companies face when managing workplace injury claims and employee separations. It reflects an industry trend where human resources practices at regional facilities are increasingly scrutinized for alignment with state employment statutes.

This decision reinforces the legal protections for employees who file workers compensation claims in Alabama. Companies may adjust their internal HR protocols for handling medical documentation to avoid similar liability judgments.

The takeaway

Employers should ensure that all disciplinary actions are thoroughly documented and consistent with established medical guidance. Employees injured on the job are reminded that filing for compensation is a protected activity under state law.