Opinion ID: 2166290
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: previous action

Text: Ichtertz and Bainbridge were licensed medical doctors who specialized in orthopedic surgery. Beginning in January 1997, Ichtertz was employed by the corporation. He was guaranteed a minimum monthly salary based on a contract with the corporation and a local hospital. The agreement expired in December 1997. Ichtertz, the corporation, and Bainbridge subsequently entered into an oral contract regarding division of the income and expenses of the corporation. Ichtertz left the corporation on September 30, 1998. In December 1998, Ichtertz sued Bainbridge and the corporation for breach of contract. At trial, Ichtertz testified that he had orally agreed to join Bainbridge's medical practice in December 1996. He said the parties agreed that Ichtertz would be paid on the basis of his production minus his expenses, which would include a certain percentage of Bainbridge's overhead. At the close of Ichtertz' evidence, Bainbridge moved for a directed verdict as to his personal liability on the basis that Ichtertz had failed to prove an oral contract that would entitle him to bonuses, deferred income, or accounts receivable. The trial court sustained the motion, and Bainbridge was dismissed from the suit. At the end of the trial, a jury returned a verdict against the corporation for $633,867, and judgment was entered against the corporation on March 12, 2004.