Slander Verdict Dogs South Florida Hospital
Jacksonville business attorneys have taken note of a verdict awarding a South Florida heart surgeon $6.5 million for breach of contract and slander that has been upheld by Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeals.
The suit, brought by the surgeon against a Fort Pierce, Florida hospital, resulted in a $1.5 million award for breach of contract and a $5 million award for slander. The slander: a hospital executive said he would not send his dog to the surgeon.
In its 32-page opinion, the appellate court specifically condemned the hospital's attack on the doctor's reputation, noting that "the wrongdoing underlying the punitive damages in this case has Florida law's most severe condemnation, its highest blameworthiness, its most deserving culpability."
The 11-year court battle between the surgeon and the hospital may continue, as the hospital says it is weighing its options to have the decision reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court. The hospital's lawyers argued on appeal that the slander award was excessive under the U.S. Constitution; because of that argument, the appellate court said that the State Supreme Court could review the award.
See more about the lawsuit at $6.5M verdict upheld in slander case.
If you have a Florida business and require assistance with legal or tax matters, contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. Jacksonville, Florida business and tax attorneys.
