By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On August 9, 2016, a licensed vocational nurse in Texas who alleged she was bullied and sexually harassed by a doctor at work was vindicated when a $440,000 settlement was reached between the parties. Patricia Hahn alleged the harassment she received from Dr. Scott Davidson started soon after beginning work at North DFW Urology Associates (North DFW) in 2007.
The Alleged Harassment.
Hahn reportedly testified that on three separate occasions, Dr. Davidson screamed at her with raised arms and clenched fists, “Just shut up. Just shut up, I’m sick of you,” according to the court documents. She reported the behavior to the human resources department at her group and shortly afterwards was allegedly called by Dr. Davidson for an after-hours meeting in his office. Then, according to the nurse, he proceeded to give her a “demonstration” of what screaming was, she testified, attempting to prove that he had not screamed at her previously.
After she made a report about the sexual harassment and hostile work environment she claims she suffered at the hands of Dr. Davidson throughout her three years at North DFW, Hahn was eventually fired.
The Settlement.
Even if she had not settled, Hahn would have received damages related to the alleged mistreatment she suffered. A Dallas County, Texas, jury returned a $1.08 million verdict in her favor on claims of sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress, just minutes after the settlement was reached. Oh well, “A bird in the hand . . . .” The up side of this is that now the case is completely resolved and there won’t be any risk of appeals dragging out the final result for years.
Hahn’s attorney noted that the verdict is one of few in the country that’s been handed down by a jury relating to “bullying” claims.
Click here to read the plaintiff’s original petition.
To read about a similar case of harassment in the workplace and the repercussions, click here to read one of my prior blogs.
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Nurses.
The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent nurses in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, in appearances before the Board of Nursing in licensing matters and in many other legal matters. We represent nurses across the U.S., and throughout Florida.
To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Source:
Casady, Michelle. “Dallas Jury Finds Clinic, Doc Responsible For Harassment.” Law360. (August 9, 2016). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawfirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone; (407) 331-6620.
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