A terminated nurse anesthetist sued a surgery center and its chief of anesthesia claiming breach of contract, defamation, and interference with prospective economic advantage. On the eve of trial, the plaintiff demanded a quarter of a million dollars in settlement. Defendants countered with an offer of $25,000. Further settlement talks were unsuccessful. After a 10-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the chief of anesthesia and a verdict against the surgery center for $30,000, just $5,000 over what defendants had offered plaintiff in settlement.
Location
Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado