Trial News
Verdicts & Settlements: Employment Law
Breach of contract
February 27, 2020Cardiothoracic surgeon Paul Preissler, 64, had an employment agreement with Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Inc. (HHMG). After he was notified his contract would not be renewed, he entered into a separation agreement with HHMG, which stated that three HHMG surgeons would provide clinical coverage to Preissler at Hartford Hospital so that he could have his privileges at the hospital reinstated. Preissler later made the arrangements with these surgeons and applied for reinstatement to the hospital. The hospital’s chief of cardiac surgery—also an HHMG employee—denied the application, forcing Preissler to rebuild his practice in another area. He incurred approximately $1.8 million in lost income.
Preissler sued HHMG, alleging breach of contract and the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
The jury awarded more than $1.8 million.
Citation: Preissler v. Hartford Healthcare Med. Grp., No. HHD-CV18-6087699-S (Conn. Jud. Dist. Hartford Nov. 7, 2019).
Plaintiff counsel: Joshua R. Goodbaum and Stephen Fitzgerald, both of New Haven, Conn.
