Justices Accept Tossing Of $9 Million State Claim

The state Supreme Court has refused to review an appeals court ruling throwing out a record $9 million verdict given to a pharmacist who alleged hospital officials violated his civil rights.

Jack Wilson, former director of Western State Hospital’s pharmacy department, had claimed the state violated his right to free speech by removing him from his post after he objected to personnel changes ordered by top hospital officials.

In the two-week 1995 trial, the jury deliberated six hours before awarding the money - the largest amount ever given by a Washington jury in a civil rights case.

But, in a decision issued last September, the state Court of Appeals said the case should never have gone to trial.

Ralph Seeley, Wilson’s attorney, said Wednesday he will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Wilson was replaced as director of the department in 1990 after he refused an order to adjust the work assignment of a female pharmacist, Katy Williams, who accused him of gender discrimination.

Wilson gave hospital director Dr. Darrell Hamilton a six-page paper arguing that changes in schedules would undermine Wilson’s management system.

Hamilton subsequently reassigned Wilson and promoted Williams to pharmacy director.

Wilson claimed that amounted to retaliation for speaking out on a matter of public concern.