A veterinarian is facing suit after allegedly violating an employment agreement.
Hawthorne Animal Hospital Ltd. of Troy filed a lawsuit Jan. 8 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Heather Johnson DVM, citing breach of contract, unfair competition and breach of duty of loyalty.
The complaint states on June 11, 2012, Johnson was hired as a vet by Hawthorne Animal Hospital and entered into an employment contract, which included a non-competition clause. According to the complaint, Johnson terminated her employment with the plaintiff on Aug. 28, 2013, and opened Johnson Veterinary Care within five miles of the plaintiff's New Baden location, which violates the non-competition clause.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, declaratory judgments and costs.
Hawthorne Animal Hospital is being represented in the case by attorneys Dawn A. Sallerson and Kyle C. Oehmke of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.
Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 14L16.