This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Employment Law
Wrongful Termination

Claudia Jensen v. Greater Valley Medical Group

Published: Dec. 20, 1997 | Result Date: Dec. 2, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CIV163743 –  $0

Judge

William L. Peck

Court

Ventura Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Lawrence M. Schulner


Defendant

Kenneth W. Drake
(Kenneth W. Drake & Associates Inc.)

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


Experts

Plaintiff

Claudia Jensen
(medical)

Defendant

Pejam Salimpour, M.D.
(medical)

Facts

Plaintiff was a pediatrician who was employed with defendant Greater Valley Medical Group. The plaintiff had been with the Group since November 1994 as an "at-will" employee pursuant to contract. In January 1996, plaintiff was terminated. The plaintiff brought this action against defendant based on wrongful termination, slander and intentional interference with business advantage theories of recovery.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $750,000. According to defendant, plaintiff's last demand was for $950,000. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $200,000.

Damages

The plaintiff claimed past and future loss of income and sought punitive damages.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed emotional distress.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year and eight months after the case was filed. Multiple settlement conferences were held in March and June of 1997 before Judge Peck. In addition, a mediation was held before Judge Nebron (Ret.) on Sept. 16, 1997. They failed to resolve the matter. According to defendants, this case was the first trial involving a new California statute prohibiting managed care providers from punishing doctors who violate their policies in order to provide appropriate healthcare.

Deliberation

45 minutes

Poll

11-1

Length

six days


#87184

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390