Cancel v. Sewell (Summary)

WRONGFUL TERMINATION

Cancel v. Sewell, Nos. A12A1950, et al. (Ga. Ct. App. Mar. 29, 2013)

Four anesthesiologists brought suit against their practice group after they were not selected for continued employment as part of a restructured anesthesiology department.  The anesthesiologists claimed that they were wrongfully terminated for reporting their concerns over fraudulent billing practices of their coworkers to both the practice group and the hospital involved. They filed suit against numerous individuals and entities.  And, as stated by the court:  “A barrage of summary judgment motions filed by the defendants challenged the plaintiff’s claims on various grounds.”

The appellate court ruled on the numerous decisions made by the lower court.  One principal outcome was that one of the lead plaintiffs could no longer be a part of the lawsuit, as both the lower and appellate court found against him in all rulings.  In addition, acting on the barrage of summary judgment rulings made by the lower court, the appellate court affirmed one, reversed in part the judgment of another, and also dismissed that case in part.