Major L. Cohn, M.D. v. Drew University of Science and Medicine, County of Los Angeles, Daniel Wooten, M.D., et al.
Published: Oct. 15, 1994 | Result Date: Aug. 31, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: C741941 – $570,000
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
James M. Marietta
(technical)
Robert Knudsen
(technical)
Facts
In June 1979, Plaintiff Major L. Cohn, M.D., now 66, was hired as a researcher/professor by Defendant Drew University of Medicine and Science and as a physician specialist for Defendant County of Los Angeles, at the King-Drew Medical Center. Plaintiff who is Caucasian and Jewish was allegedly denied promotions by the predominately African-American institution and was ultimately terminated in June 1990 from his faculty position. Plaintiff claimed he was then put into an allegedly entry-level position in Defendant's walk-in clinic where he does no research nor teaching. Prior to trial, the closure of the pain clinic was determined to have been due to budget curtailments and not discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Robert O. Christiansen, M.D., M. Alfred Haynes, M.D., and Samuel Shacks, M.D. and Ph.D. were also named as Defendants.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff contends that they demanded $1,000,000 and Defendant made no offers. Defendants contend that there were no demands or offers exchanged.
Specials in Evidence
none $300,000 plus not disclosed not disclosed
Damages
Plaintiff asked the jury to award $250,000 for lost lab equipment and an undisclosed amount for loss of earnings.
Injuries
Emotional distress.
Result
Verdicts for Plaintiff on breach of contract and conversion against Drew University and M. Alfred Haynes. The jury found breach of express and implied contract and conversion as to Drew University and Hayes. This case resulted in a hung jury on the issues of discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and punitive damages.
Deliberation
2.5 weeks
Poll
varied
Length
1.5 months
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