Nurse Sues Hospital, Says He Was Fired After Getting Coronavirus

STUDIO CITY, CA — A registered nurse has sued Valley Presbyterian Hospital, saying he was fired after complaining the hospital was not following coronavirus safety procedures last April. Joven Alvarez, who said he was at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus due to his profession, also began developing coronavirus symptoms around the same time and believes he was fired after his doctor placed him on medical leave for about two weeks.

The lawsuit accuses Valley Presbyterian of wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and multiple Labor Code violations, including lack of overtime payment and missed meal and rest breaks. Alvarez was seeking unspecified damages.

Alvarez was hired in November 2012. As the virus began to spread in California, he says he complained to the hospital about the lack of safety measures, and the "blatant disregard" for the well-being of employees and customers.

While he was voicing his concerns, the suit says the hospital "explicitly encouraged people to continue carrying on business as usual." However, Alvarez says he was forced to endure discrimination, harassment and retaliation as a result of his complaints.

In April, Alvarez started showing coronavirus related symptoms, and was placed on medical leave by his doctor for about two weeks. When he returned, he says he continued to experience hostile treatment, and was forced to keep working in unsafe conditions.

Alvarez says he continued to voice his concerns about the lack of safety measures in parts of the hospital. The nurse was later fired on April 28, and court papers allege he lost his job due to his complaints, his illness and for taking leave.

A hospital representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

City News Service contributed to this report.