Laurie Eldridge, former CFO of Placerville, Calif.-based Marshall Medical Center has filed a lawsuit against the hospital, alleging wrongful termination, age discrimination and retaliation, the Sacramento Business Journal reported Dec. 12.
Three things to know:
1. Ms. Eldridge alleges she was forced out of her role due to her age and retaliated against after raising concerns, according to the report. She had been with Marshall Medical Center since 1990, holding several financial leadership roles — including senior accountant and controller — before becoming CFO in 2003, following the promotion of then-CFO James Whipple to CEO.
2. Marshall Medical Center is a 111-bed acute care hospital with outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, Placerville, El Dorado Hills and Georgetown, according to its website. The hospital includes several primary and specialty care clinics, more than 190 affiliated physicians and providers, and a team of over 1,600 employees serving residents of El Dorado County.
3. Federal law prohibits employment discrimination against individuals aged 40 and older under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which also protects employees from retaliation when asserting their rights. In California, additional protections are provided under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, enforced by the California Civil Rights Department, which allows claims to be filed within three years.
“Marshall Medical Center is aware of the lawsuit filed by a former executive. We disagree with the allegations and will respond through the legal process,” a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement provided to Becker’s. “This matter involves personnel issues, and it would be inappropriate to comment on specific claims or internal employment decisions. Marshall does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and remains committed to fair, lawful, and ethical employment practices.”
