Trial Magazine

Gregory Hawkins, 61, worked as a laboratory director for Grinnell Regional Medical Center. He was diagnosed with breast cancer and required surgery, after which he took time off. After Hawkins returned to work, he was accused of poor performance. Several months later, human resources informed him that he had to retire. Hawkins refused and requested a continuation of his part-time hours with further evaluation of the situation in six months. A week later, a vice president told Hawkins that he had to retire. Hawkins, who had earned approximately $100,000 annually, has not returned to work.

Hawkins sued the hospital, alleging age and disability discrimination. Suit also claimed retaliation in that Hawkins’s termination occurred three weeks after he filed a discrimination complaint with the state’s civil rights commission.

The jury awarded more than $4.5 million. Posttrial motions are pending.

Citation: Hawkins v. Grinnell Reg’l Med. Ctr., No. 08791-LALA-002281 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Poweshiek Cnty. July 24, 2017).

Plaintiff counsel: Brooke Timmer, Nate Borland, and Amy Beck, all of Johnston, Iowa.