Nurse Faced Retaliation After Reporting Impaired Doctor

Matthew A. Luber and Meghan A. Pazmino represent Nurse, Allison Stec, in a whistleblower action pertaining to Cooper Hospital’s failure to address reports that, for years, a doctor was treating pediatric patients while impaired.  As alleged in the complaint, Cooper failed to take action to address Stec’s internal reports and commenced an immediate, retaliatory, and orchestrated effort to compel her resignation.  The doctor in question, who is not identified in the complaint and referred to as “Dr. Doe” out of respect for her family, died just a few days after Ms. Stec made her third formal complaint in June 2021.  The Complaint asserts that Ms. Stec pleaded with hospital officials and her direct supervisors in the Pediatric Gastroenterology (“GI”) department to take action, and to provide help for Dr. Doe. The Complaint alleges, however, that Cooper brushed Ms. Stec’s concerns aside, misled investigators, and retaliated against her for attempting to bring the patient safety issues to light.  Ms. Stec claims that, for years, numerous Cooper employees had serious concerns for Dr. Doe’s health and well-being, and for the safety of patients.  The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and a jury trial for the alleged unlawful retaliation in violation of New Jersey law.

“It takes immense courage and strength to bring a matter like this to light.  Ms. Stec did everything she could to help Dr. Doe and was waving the red flag long before Dr. Doe’s tragic death.  For the hospital to turn its back on Ms. Stec, and to call into question her character and work performance, is shameful but not surprising.  Ms. Stec looks forward to her day in court.”  Matthew A. Luber, Esquire and Managing Partner of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.

“Ms. Stec is not alone in this fight.  We fully expect that other Cooper employees will come forward and acknowledge the organizational failures here, which date back to 2019.”  Meghan A. Pazmino, Esquire of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.