Court Dismisses Tri-City Lawsuit Against Scripps Health

The Superior Court of California has ordered the dismissal of a four-year-old lawsuit by Tri-City Medical Center against Scripps Health.

“We’re pleased with the judge’s decision,” said Chris Van Gorder, Scripps president and CEO. “Scripps has always maintained the lawsuit was groundless and a waste of time and money.”

In his ruling, Judge Earl H. Maas, III, dismissed the entire action by Tri-City, finding the facts did not support Tri-City’s claims.

Tri-City’s lawsuit dates back to 2009, when 65 doctors from the former Sharp Mission Park medical group decided to join Scripps because they believed it was in the best interests of their patients.

“We are happy with the judge’s decision. At the same time, this case has cost Scripps a significant amount of money and staff hours that would have been better used caring for our patients,” Van Gorder said. “The time and money Tri-City has spent pursuing this case is a waste of public funds.”

Scripps has been serving Coastal North County since 1978 through Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and its affiliated physicians, including Scripps Clinic locations in Encinitas, Del Mar and Carmel Valley and seven Scripps Coastal Medical Centers from Oceanside to Del Mar. In addition, area residents have been served by Scripps for more than 25 years through the county’s regional trauma system, which has designated Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla as the regional trauma center for Coastal North County.

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, Calif.