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Employment Law
Wrongful Termination

Jessica Jones v. Indian Valley Hospital District, et al.

Published: May 18, 1996 | Result Date: Apr. 5, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 16087 –  $0

Judge

Lee E. Cooper Jr.

Court

Plumas Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Michael S. Sorgen
(Law Office of Michael S. Sorgen)


Defendant

Linda Miller Savitt
(Ballard, Rosenberg, Golper & Savitt LLP)


Experts

Plaintiff

Cirian Phibbs
(technical)

Defendant

Ed Cupit
(technical)

Facts

The plaintiff, Jessica Jones, a 38-year-old respiratory therapist, was on staff at the defendant hospital, Indian Valley Hospital, at the time that the defendant, Indian Valley Hospital District, eliminated the defendant hospital's respiratory therapy department. The plaintiff alleged that she was laid off on April 16,1992, because of her cooperation with the Department of Health Services in a state survey and in retaliation and violation of Health & Safety Code º1432. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants, the hospital, administrator and medical director, based on retaliation, violation of public policy and wrongful termination theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $250,000, which was reduced to $106,000 at the time of trial. The defendants indicated a willingness to possibly offer $10,000.

Specials in Evidence

$________ $146,000 $________ $________

Damages

The plaintiff claimed $150,000 in loss of earnings, emotional distress and punitive damages.

Injuries

The plaintiff alleged that she suffered emotional distress as a result of the defendants' conduct.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately three years and six months (per the plaintiff) and two years and eleven months (per the defendants) after the case was filed. A settlement conference was held on September 23, 1995 before the Honorable Reginald Littrell of Sierra County which did not resolve the matter. The plaintiff intends to bring a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

Deliberation

2+ hours

Poll

not taken

Length

11 days


#109450

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