Physician wins lawsuit, hospital to appeal decision

JACKSON — A jury has returned a $2.27-million judgment against Central Mississippi Medical Center in a breach of contract lawsuit.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Dr. Adolfo Morales, a board-certified ophthalmologist, had alleged the medical center breached a physician recruitment contract in 2004, which would have allowed him to establish a surgery practice in Jackson.

The hospital said in court papers the final agreement was never consummated because the home office of its parent company, Health Management Associates Inc. in Naples, Fla., had undergone a change in management that did not approve the deal that previously was struck.

But after a three-day trial in Hinds County Circuit Court, the jury sided with Morales.

A spokeswoman says the hospital will appeal.