Woodburn v. Open MRI of Orlando

VERDICT

Trial
08/17/09 – 08/19/09

Summary

3-day breach of contract bench trial involving a settlement agreement to resolve a dispute over Open MRI, a family-owned business.

Plaintiff Dr. Ronald Woodburn was a Florida radiologist, now retired. The plaintiff's son, Shaun Woodburn, was one defendant; the other defendant was Open MRI, an MRI and radiology provider formed by the father, the son, and a few other shareholders.

When formed, neither the father nor the son had majority control over Open MRI. However, the son subsequently obtained enough additional shares to gain a controlling interest and excluded the father from the business.

A subsequent lawsuit between the parties ended in a settlement agreement that gave the son the right to control the business while the business was listed for sale and sold for an agreed price.

The plaintiff alleged that the son failed to list the business for 18 months, and eventually sold the business for $275,000, even though it was allegedly worth closer to $750,000, and even though below-value sale allegedly required the plaintiff's consent, and even though other buyers allegedly were ready and willing to pay more.

The defendant claimed that the delay was intended to provide an opportunity to improve the business and get a better price. However, instead, market conditions deteriorated and changes to Medicare reimbursement further reduced the value of the business, and it was eventually sold for less.

Outcome

The court found in favor of plaintiff for $292,635.06 .

Sessions

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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