On Oct. 4, the Wendler Family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the death of Antares Wendler-Phillips. The plaintiffs allege that Antares's death was the result of workplace harassment and negligence.
According to the complaint, Antares was an employee of USPS for over 23 years before her death on October 4, 2019. Her family claims that from 2017 until her passing, she was subjected to workplace harassment by supervisors at USPS locations in Merrick and Huntington. This harassment allegedly led to stress-related health issues for Antares, culminating in her collapse and death. Dominique Phillips asserts that this mistreatment was linked to his own legal disputes with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and other entities, where Antares had shown support during settlement conferences.
The complaint includes instances where Antares sought medical attention for stress-induced conditions such as chest pains and migraines. Dr. Alice B. Cavanagh, her cardiologist since 2002, provided a letter stating that Antares's stress levels were exacerbated by workplace harassment and may have contributed to her cardiac condition known as "Takotsubo cardiomyopathy," which is often triggered by extreme stress.
Dominique Phillips initially filed the wrongful death claim against USPS on October 4, 2021. He faced challenges in pursuing the case due to what he describes as "Extraordinary Circumstances" related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, he argues that he diligently pursued his rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows for suits against the United States for wrongful acts by government employees.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation from USPS for their loss and suffering, demanding between $25 million and $50 million in damages for emotional distress, financial hardship, and other grievances stemming from Antares's alleged wrongful death. They also request punitive damages and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing themselves pro se in this matter are Dominique Phillips and The Wendler Family. The case is being overseen by Judges Morrison J. Bloom and Joanna Seybert in the Eastern District of New York under Case ID CVZA¢309.