Hospital retains patient list, accuses doctor of stealing equipment: Conversion: Defamation: Verdict: Punitive damages

Law Reporter, Apr 2003

Skinner ro. Trident Med. Ctr., S.C., Berkeley County

C.C.P., No. 2000-CP-08-096, Dec. 19, 2002.

Skinner, 51, was a physician at Trident Medical Center. The center's office manager requested that Skinner turn over his patient list and Skinner did so. The medical center terminated Skinner's employment and refused to return the list. The office manager allegedly told Trident personnel and others that Skinner had stolen center equipment and had committed other acts of sabotage against the center.

Skinner had earned $110,000 a year as a physician. He is unable to contact his patients and has been unable to find other employment as a physician. He now works part-time reviewing medical files in a law office, where he earns $30 per hour.

Skinner sued the medical center and the office manager individually. Suit alleged defamation, conversion, and negligent supervision of the office manager. Plaintiff introduced testimony that when his patients called the medical center, the office manager told them she did not know his whereabouts, and that when prospective employers called the office seeking information on plaintiff, their calls were not returned.

A jury awarded $30.25 million, including $10 million in punitive damages.

Defendant has filed a motion to overturn the jury verdict, or, in the alternative, to reduce it. Defendant has also filed a motion to recall the jury to inquire into their deliberations.

Plaintiffs Counsel

*Gregg Meyers, Charleston, S.C.