Facts

Plaintiff, 51, worked as a respiratory therapist for Central California Faculty Medical Group, doing business as University North Medical Specialty Center. Plaintiff sued the medical group after she was terminated.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that she was retaliated against and ultimately terminated after she reported to her employer that it was overbilling Medicare. Specifically, the medical group was charging for doctor's visits even though the patients had been seen only by plaintiff, who was not a doctor.

Plaintiff asserted causes of action for gender and age discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and wrongful termination. Trial proceeded on the whistleblower and wrongful termination claims only.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant denied plaintiff's allegations, arguing that she was terminated for economic reasons and because she used her job to unethically make referrals to a company that employed her husband.

Result

The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding her $631,200, which included $500,000 in punitive damages.