Stinnett & Masters LLP's senior trial attorney, partner Mark Stinnett, won a unanimous defense verdict for his client on October 25, 2013, after a four-day trial of a $1.1 million suit arising from a substance abuse evaluation performed by the defendant, a licensed addiction counselor.
Plaintiff sought actual and exemplary damages for alleged libel, intentional interference with contract, professional negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty for statements and recommendations made by the counselor in a report to the plaintiff's employer.
The plaintiff had been referred by his employer, a public utility, for a substance abuse evaluation after his conviction on a DUI charge. He resigned from his employment rather than accept the employer's return to work agreement, which adopted the recommendations of the defendant.
The defense contended that all of the report's statements were substantially true, were privileged, and were appropriate under the circumstances. Stinnett also argued that the plaintiff's own conduct led to his termination of employment.
The six-person jury deliberated less than two hours before returning a complete defense verdict on all claims. Trial took place in the Fourth Judicial District Court of El Paso County, Colorado.
© Copyright 2014: Stinnett & Masters LLP. All rights reserved.