The longtime former head of a Des Moines medical practice has been awarded more than $1.3 million after disputing his 2023 termination.
Iowa Orthopedic Center, better known as Iowa Ortho, provides musculoskeletal care through multiple clinics in and around the Des Moines metro. In June 2023, it fired its CEO, Kevin Ward, who had held the position since 2005. While Iowa Ortho has not publicly commented on its reasons, Ward claimed in subsequent court filings that his firing was related to a real estate company formed by several Iowa Ortho physicians that also employed him and that the true motive for his firing was age discrimination.
Ward sued the medical center for discrimination, retaliation and defamation, and Iowa Ortho filed to have the case moved to private arbitration, as permitted under Ward’s contract. In January, the arbitrator found Iowa Ortho had violated Ward’s employment agreement and awarded damages of nearly $1.3 million, according to court filings.
That total has continued to grow. In a May 12 order, District Judge Joseph Seidlin ruled on a dispute over the arbitrator’s award, finding that Ward is entitled to $70,000 in prejudgment interest and even more interest that has been accruing since the award in January.
The decision resolves the long-running dispute over Ward’s firing, although separate litigation continues between Ward and the partners involved in the real estate venture. Attorney David Albrecht, representing Ward, said his client was satisfied with the decision.
“Nearly three years ago, Kevin first argued he was fired without good cause,” Albrecht said in an email. “Today, we’re pleased the Court confirmed the arbitration award in his favor and assessed the additional interest as ordered by the Arbitrator.”
In a statement through its attorneys, Iowa Ortho noted that the arbitration award was solely over the breach-of-contract dispute. Ward voluntarily dismissed his discrimination and retaliation claims, and the arbitrator rejected his claims for defamation, the clinic said.
“Throughout this matter, Iowa Ortho’s commitment to patient care and to supporting its physicians, providers, and staff never wavered,” the clinic said. “Iowa Ortho considers this dispute resolved and remains focused on delivering exceptional care to patients and providing a healthy, supportive work environment for all its employees going forward.”
William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Former Iowa Orthopedic Center CEO awarded $1.3M after firing dispute
Reporting by William Morris, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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