Judge Rules in Favor of County in Lawsuit w/Lakeside

Judge Stanley Brandmeyer has returned a verdict in the civil case involving Effingham County and Lakeside EMS in favor of Effingham County.

Judge Brandmeyer in September presided over a bench trial during which it was alleged that Lakeside had incurred damages because of actions by the County, related to the County's exclusive contract with ambulance service provider Abbott EMS.

In his decision, the judge ruled that Lakeside's claim for violation of procedural due process failed, that a takings claim failed since the company has continued to operate, that an equal protection claim failed since the County had a contract for ambulance service with Abbott and not with Lakeside, that Lakeside failed to prove it lost business as a result of any County action, that there was no proof of damages provided by Lakeside and that it was instead stated during testimony that Lakeside was profitable, and that neither party had an obligation to pay the other side's legal fees.

In summation, Judge Brandmeyer ruled for the County and against Lakeside on the procedural due process claim, the regulatory claim, and the equal protection claim, and that each side should bear their own costs of litigation.