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expert witness, testified at the whistleblower trial that
petitioner suffered from depression and posttraumatic stress
disorder; that the actions of TDHS were a cause of these
conditions; and that the injury would be permanent. Coons
testified that some of the symptoms of petitioner’s depression
included compulsive eating, anxiety, crying, decreased
confidence, difficulty concentrating, and great sleep
disturbance.
The jury found that petitioner was fired in retaliation for
reporting activities at TDHS. The jury awarded the following
damages:
Loss of earning capacity $928,000
Past mental anguish 1,000,000
Future mental anguish 1,500,000
Out-of-pocket expenses 31,832
Punitive damages 10,000,000
On October 10, 1991, the Travis County District Court, 53rd
Judicial District (the trial court), entered judgment in favor of
petitioner in the amount of $13,773,461.96. The trial court
awarded prejudgment interest of $154,246.57 through September 24,
1991, with an additional $237.97 per day until the judgment was
signed. The judgment bore postjudgment interest of 10 percent
per annum until paid.
On March 17, 1993, the Court of Appeals for the Third
District of Texas affirmed the trial court’s judgment. The Court
of Appeals held that petitioner must request a legislative
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