An Eagle Mountain, Utah paramedic was ordered reinstated and to be given back pay after he was fired in March. Bryan Miner had reported cases of possible medical malpractice and sexual harassment to his superiors and was allegedly let go for blowing the whistle.
City attorney, Jerry Kinghorn told Judge Dennis J. Fuchs that Miners was not only lying, but was “reckless with the truth” when he came forward. The city now has 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling. Miner has said he will “hold off” to see how Eagle Mountain wants to handle him. Linda Peterson, spokeswoman for the city, said she expects Miner to be greeted hospitably when he returns to work due to city policy.
While Miner was not present for the case of possible medical malpractice or the sexual harassment incident, both alleged situations were brought to his attention. In the medical malpractice case, paramedics responded to a call of a patient who may have suffered a heart attack or stroke. An aspirin was administered by the crew, but one of the paramedics in attendance thought the man was exhibiting signs of a stroke and not a heart attack. While an aspirin may help those suffering from a heart attack, it can harm those who are having a stroke. It was determined later that the man had a brain tumor. Nevertheless, the paramedic who was concerned that the aspirin had been given, even though there were indicators that the victim may have had a stroke, told Miner about it.
In the case of sexual harassment, a female employee told Miner in confidence that she was repeatedly sexually harassed by a captain of the fire department. Miner took her story to his superiors and the captain later resigned his post.
City’s Response
City attorney Kinghorn argued that Miner had made many false claims, but the city chose to focus only on the potential medical malpractice and alleged sexual harassment. Kinghorn claims Miner made up the sexual harassment claim in order to get someone in trouble. However, Judge Fuchs heard testimony earlier in the day from the female employee and said it was “clear” she had been sexually harassed. Kinghorn also argued the aspirin claim was false and that a doctor had said later that it was appropriate treatment given what was known at the time.
Judge Fuchs found that Miner not only told the truth, but was required to let his superiors know due to city policy about both incidents.
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully terminated from your job because you let your superiors know what was going on, please contact a lawyer with experience in wrongful termination cases in your area.
