Alexander A. Stratienko, M. D. v. Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority
This appellate opinion affirms the trial court's judgments in a long-standing case stemming from a 2004 incident where Dr. Stratienko pushed another doctor at Erlanger Hospital. Dr. Stratienko, the plaintiff, appealed several decisions: the granting of partial summary judgment to Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority on claims of breach of contract, inducement of breach, conspiracy, and immunity; the denial of further complaint amendments and discovery; the exclusion of administrative hearing claims; and the finding that he failed to prove intentional interference with business relations. The Court of Appeals found no error, applying the 'law of the case' doctrine for facts previously established in federal courts and upholding the trial court's discretionary rulings. Specifically, the court affirmed that the plaintiff failed to establish the elements for intentional interference with business relations, noting a lack of proof regarding specific third parties, improper means or motive, and demonstrable damages.