Facts

Chad Goodman, M.D., sued Sutter Health, Sutter Health Pacific, and Sutter West Bay Hospitals, in connection with the termination of his employment.

Dr. Goodman was an interventional radiologist with California Advanced Imaging Medical Associates Inc. since 2001. He held privileges at Sutter Health facilities in Marin General Hospital and Novato Community Hospital.

The matter continued against Sutter Health and Sutter West Bay Hospitals after it was determined that Sutter Pacific was erroneously sued.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that Sutter Health pressured his medical group to terminate his employment for engaging in patient advocacy. Plaintiff contended that such conduct constituted intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and caused him emotional distress. Plaintiff also contended that defendants' conduct violated California Health & Safety Code Section 1278.5.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The defense argued that plaintiff was fired because he lacked insight and he had poor judgment. Defendants denied any liability given that plaintiff was fired for legitimate reasons.

Damages

Dr. Goodman requested between $5 million and $30 million in economic damages plus $3 million in emotional distress damages. He also requested between $60 million and $120 million in punitive damages.

Injuries

Dr. Goodman claimed he suffered from loss of income, benefits and investments. He claimed his termination also caused him emotional distress.

Result

The jury rendered a mixed verdict, finding Sutter West Bay Hospitals liable for intentional interference with a contract and intentional interference with prospective economic damages and awarded Dr. Goodman $1.5 million in damages. The jury declined to award any punitive damages. The jury found in favor of the defense on his intentional infliction of emotional distress and violation of Section 1278.5 claims. It also found that Sutter Health was not liable for Sutter West Bay Hospital's employees' actions. The $1.5 million award included $1 million in economic damages and $500,000 in non-economic damages.