Jackpot justice in LA: Dr. Robert Johnson

When he was 81, Dr. Robert Johnson’s supervisors at the Lancaster state prison complained to the state medical board that he suffered from memory loss that impaired his work as a surgeon and suggested he retire. Johnson’s lawyer, Ralph B. Wegis, says the investigation cleared him, but also ended his career, and Johnson sued. A […]

When he was 81, Dr. Robert Johnson’s supervisors at the Lancaster state prison complained to the state medical board that he suffered from memory loss that impaired his work as a surgeon and suggested he retire. Johnson’s lawyer, Ralph B. Wegis, says the investigation cleared him, but also ended his career, and Johnson sued. A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury awarded $1.6 million in lost wages (apparently based on testimony that Johnson was going to continue to be a practicing surgeon until he was 96) and damages for emotional distress adding up to $20 million. (Jean Guccione, “Prison Doctor Awarded $20 Million in Age Case”, LA Times, Jul. 20). Imagine the lawsuit that would’ve bankrupted the prison if Johnson had committed malpractice and the prison hadn’t investigated suspected problems. Cf. also Aug. 30.

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