In a compelling legal battle, a former director of patient safety and risk management is taking on her previous employers, alleging wrongful termination rooted in age and disability discrimination. Karen Mazzocco filed a lawsuit against Samaritan, LLC, GS Hospital, LP, Good Samaritan Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Inc., and HCA Management Services, L.P. on March 13, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara. The complaint outlines a series of grievances including discrimination based on age and disability under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), retaliation for taking protected leave under FMLA/CFRA, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Mazzocco's narrative unfolds with her extensive background as a licensed nurse and attorney specializing in healthcare law. Her career trajectory took her to Good Samaritan Hospital in August 2022 where she was appointed as Director of Patient Safety and Risk Management. Despite receiving commendations for her performance from hospital leadership during her tenure, Mazzocco alleges that underlying discriminatory practices marred her employment experience. She contends that Vice President Tammy Evans engaged in harassment by physically adjusting Mazzocco’s clothing under the guise of dress code violations—a behavior not directed at younger employees—thereby contributing to an environment hostile to older workers.
The plaintiff further asserts that her attempts to address serious patient safety concerns were met with indifference by Evans. These concerns included high incidences of pressure ulcers among bedridden patients due to inadequate care practices. Mazzocco claims these issues were ignored despite being raised through proper channels. Her allegations extend to retaliatory actions following her disclosure about her spouse's cancer diagnosis and subsequent need for kin care leave—a right protected under California law—which was met with unauthorized placement on leave by Evans without Mazzocco’s consent.
The culmination of these alleged acts led to Mazzocco’s termination on March 16, 2023. She describes this event as publicly humiliating and claims it was executed immediately after she had been working remotely due to COVID-19 quarantine measures while caring for her husband post-surgery. Following her dismissal, Mazzocco was replaced by a less experienced nursing student—an action she argues underscores the ageist motives behind her firing.
Mazzocco seeks comprehensive relief from the court including economic damages for lost wages and benefits, non-economic damages for emotional distress characterized by symptoms such as anxiety and depression, punitive damages citing malice or oppression under California Civil Code § 3294, attorneys’ fees pursuant to Government Code § 12965(b), along with pre-judgment interest.
Representing Mazzocco are attorneys Parth Shah and Andrew Doriott from Doriott, Postajian & Shah PC. The case is presided over by Judge M. Suar under Case ID: 25CV461026.