Officer's lawsuit proceeds Aug 10, 2008
The motion to dismiss was filed July 28, calling it a frivolous medical malpractice lawsuit from which Campion is protected by statute. The motion stated that Day's report fails to state what deviations Dr. Campion committed in his evaluation of the plaintiff. (Pekin Times, IL)
How Wecht served 2 sides in malpractice suit Aug 10, 2008
A doctor who has spent the last seven years trying to clear his name after settling a medical malpractice lawsuit says a revised autopsy report by Dr. Cyril H. Wecht forced him to capitulate, even though he continues to claim he did nothing wrong ... When Ms. Santello's family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Uniontown Hospital and the doctors who treated her in the spring of 1998, they alleged that she died from undiagnosed Reye's syndrome ... But Dr. Chauhan also weighed the... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Pa. court: Nurse can be fired for sex with patient Aug 8, 2008
The patient, a divorced library assistant who is now 60, sued Baldwin and the hospital last year for negligence, assault and battery, medical malpractice and other claims. That lawsuit is pending. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Study Finds Settling Is Better Than Going to Trial Aug 8, 2008
Note to victims of accidents, medical malpractice, broken contracts and the like: When you sue, make a deal. That is the clear lesson of a soon-to-be-released study of civil lawsuits that has found that most of the plaintiffs who decided to pass up a settlement offer and went to trial ended up getting less money than if they had taken that offer. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Modesto doctor ordered to pay widow $8.5M Aug 8, 2008
5 million jury verdict in Stanislaus County Superior Court last week, but because of limits on medical malpractice cases, the widow who sued Dr. Tony Tam likely will collect less than $2 million ... 5 million in economic damages and $6 million in compensatory damages to Holly Stinnett, 38, of Valley Springs, but a 1975 law caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits at $250,000. (Modesto Bee, CA)
$10M lawsuit filed after Bend man dies during ankle surgery Aug 7, 2008
-- A trial is getting underway in Bend in a $10 million medical malpractice suit. The lawsuit was filed by the estate of a Bend man who went to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for ankle surgery in 2006, only to die hours later. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
A BABY-FREE NEW YORK Aug 2, 2008
Eliot Spitzer formed a Medical Malpractice Liability Advisory Task Force to suggest reforms ... The panel's most pressing issue 00004000 was the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan, a fund for "high-risk" doctors. (New York Post -- Opinions)
McCain meets tough crowd in Orlando Aug 2, 2008
He took questions about affirmative action, educational opportunity, medical malpractice, gun control and budget shortfalls for schools. The Republican candidate did not change his conservative views to pander to the black audience, one Urban League member said. (Florida Today)
McCain jabs at rival during Orlando speech Aug 2, 2008
He was confronted with questions about affirmative action, education opportunity, medical malpractice and budget shortfalls for schools. McCain appeared before the black organization a day after accusing Obama of playing the race card by accusing Republicans of frightening voters by pointing out he "doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills.". (Florida Today)
Tysabri Lawyers Pulaski & Middleman Launch Web Resource Center for Patients Suffering from Tysabri Side Effects Aug 2, 2008
They pride themselves in a personal approach to even the most complicated cases, including medical malpractice, product liability, and other areas of personal injury law. If you or someone you love is suffering from the side effects of Tysabri, contact Pulaski eman at and discuss your case with a Tysabri attorney today. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Darwin To Announce Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results Aug 1, 2008
The company is focused on the professional liability insurance market and underwrites directors and officers ("Dability for public and private companies, errors and omissions ("Eability insurance, medical malpractice liability insurance, and other specialty coverage. Darwin member companies include Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc., Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA), and Darwin Select Insurance Company (Darwin Select). (PR Newswire)
Navy settles hospital claim Aug 1, 2008
Backman's attorney, Sean Cronin, said he has been involved in medical malpractice cases against the Navy for about 10 years and this is the first one where the government agreed to settle pre-suit. "I was particularly surprised because of the position the hospital took," Cronin said Thursday. (Florida Times-Union)
LMS Medical unveils new obstetrics safety program with leading malpractice insurer Jul 31, 2008
"Princeton Insurance has partnered with New Jersey hospitals for more than three decades and this new alliance with LMS will further our mission to protect New Jersey healthcare providers and partner with them to provide outstanding patient care," said Charlie Lefevre, Princeton Insurance President and CEO. "The OB/PEP offering is a natural extension of our services," said Diane C t;, CEO and President of LMS. "As with Princeton Insurance, we have a long standing tradition and commitment to... (Canada Newswire)
Political notes Jul 31, 2008
His work specializing in medical malpractice provided him a thorough knowledge of the judicial system. If elected I would be a strong, experienced voice. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Seitz honored for tort reform work Jul 30, 2008
Caps on noneconomic damages for medical malpractice lawsuits that limit damages for things such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment. Asbestos reform that in effect put claims on hold until claimants could show actual injury and not merely exposure to asbestos. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
AFI Names Top Ten Courtroom Dramas ... Jul 27, 2008
AFI Names Top Ten Courtroom Dramas of All Time: To Kill a Mockingbird is the Top Choice of American Film Institute. AFI Names Top Ten Courtroom Dramas of All Time. (Suite101.com)
Legislator sounds off on health care woes Jul 27, 2008
Green also advocates for medical malpractice insurance reform, saying lawsuits cost the system too much money and transfers the focus away from quality care. Green is also working on initiatives to recruit new doctors to rural areas and invest in medical education. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Top ten reasons for buying medical insurance Jul 25, 2008
A new form of insurance helps victims of medical malpractice fund legal redress. Legal experts will advise policyholders as to whether they have a case against health authorities following medical accidents or falling victim to hospital infections. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Doctor held liable for a 'loss of chance' Jul 24, 2008
Medical malpractice lawyers said the decision from the Supreme Judicial Court could help patients who previously had little chance of collecting damages from physicians. "The SJC has finally recognized the rights of victims of medical malpractice to be compensated for . . . the loss of that person's chance to survive a horrible medical condition that should have been properly diagnosed in the first place," said David Angueira, a Boston lawyer ... The SJC recognized for the first time a doctrine... (Boston Globe)
Medical tragedy in East Boston Jul 23, 2008
"The state obviously has oversight. They are contracting an obligation to a vendor," said Michael E. Mone, a Boston plaintiff's lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice and product liability. To put it another way, said Mone, "The state can't say, 'We contracted out the Big Dig, so we don't have to look at the fact it's leaking.' ". (Boston Globe)
Local lawyer reprimanded for violating four rules Jul 23, 2008
In the second case, Skemp was hired by a couple from Janesville in 2005 to represent them in a medical malpractice case. The clients had difficulty getting in touch with Skemp for updates about the case while it was pending. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Med-Mal Jury Says 'No Amount' Will Adequately Punish Hospital Jul 22, 2008
Pittsburgh attorneys are seeking a new trial in a medical malpractice case in which a jury found a hospital negligent in a patient's death but awarded $0 survival damages because the jury said "no amount of damages will adequately punish" the hospital. The case was tried in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court before a 12-member jury in May. (Law.com)
Amid more grim economic news comes push back from Congress Jul 20, 2008
Added financial pressure: New York physicians are among the legions lobbying against proposed hikes in medical malpractice insurance rates, which jumped 14 percent in the last year. You couldn't miss their big-bucks media campaign against a new rate hike. (Lower Hudson Journal news)
William F. McMurry - Lead Class Counsel Obtains $16.4 Million Settlement for Elderly Clients Jul 18, 2008
July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- William F. McMurry, a Nationally Board Certified Specialist in Medical Malpractice and Legal Malpractice, obtained today final Court approval of a settlement in the first nationwide class action suit ever certified by a Kentucky state court judge ... Mr. McMurry has obtained several large verdicts in personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, legal malpractice, insurance fraud and serious automobile accident cases. (PR Newswire)
Reducing hospital costs Jul 18, 2008
The downside is that most developing countries do not have medical malpractice protections, the prescription drug markets are flooded with counterfeit medications, infectious diseases are far more prevalent, and blood supplies may not be as well-screened or protected. This is one area that should be watched very closely. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
New practice started Jul 17, 2008
This focus had fallen out of step with Lee Smart's main practice areas of insurance-defense cases, such as medical malpractice lawsuits. "Our group identified itself as having tremendous potential in a growing practice where there's high demand," Patterson said. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
People and Places (July 15, 2008) Jul 15, 2008
An AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, he has lectured locally and nationally on issues concerning medical malpractice and presently concentrates his practice on representing children who suffer from cerebral palsy and other birth injuries caused by medical mistakes. Willoughby is a member of the Counsel of Presidents of the American Association for Justice, the Maryland State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Baltimore City (where he serves on the Ethics Committee) and the Baltimore... (Carroll County Times, MD)
One of Us: Jim Cobb Attorney has championed legal aid for poor Jul 15, 2008
He has spent much of his life representing insurance companies and railroads and doing medical malpractice defense. But when Cobb talks about the accomplishments of which he is proudest, they center on making sure legal representation isn't just for the wealthy. (Florida Times-Union)
Why Qui Tam Practices Work Best at Smaller Firms Jul 13, 2008
Unlike a medical malpractice case, a qui tam case can't easily be sized up to determine its worth or cost. The average qui tam case lasts a little more than five years, with Raspanti's longest finishing in eight years. (Law.com)
Hospital bullies take a toll on patient safety Jul 13, 2008
Hickson, who researches why patients file medical malpractice lawsuits, says arrogant or insensitive behavior can influence whether people decide to sue. That holds for employees who believe they've been mistreated, too. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
No charges in California ER waiting room death Jul 13, 2008
The decision not to file criminal charges was disappointing, said Franklin Casco Jr., an attorney for Rodriguez's family in a $45 million lawsuit claiming negligence, medical malpractice, discrimination and wrongful death. "Lady Justice may be blind in the eyes of the district attorney's office when it comes to the death of Ms. Rodriguez, but I guarantee you that Lady Justice will not be blind in a civil courtroom," Casco said. (CNN -- Health)
New York Personal Injury Law Firm Explains Three Things Building Owners Must Know About the New York "Scaffold Law" Jul 8, 2008
Gersowitz, Libo (GLK) is a New York and New Jersey personal injury and medical malpractice law firm that's passionate about helping seriously injured people. Our clients are seriously injured in auto accidents, construction accidents, by defective products or through doctors' mistakes. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
The little girl they couldn't see Jul 6, 2008
A medical malpractice case is proceeding in Boston, where a civil rights case filed by Haleigh's biological mother, accusing the state of wrongfully removing the girl from her home, is also pending. And lawmakers on Beacon Hill are considering a bill revamping end-of-life decisions for children in state custody. (Boston Globe)
Citing District Judge's Actions During Trial, 3rd Circuit Vacates Med-Mal Verdict Jul 3, 2008
The court, in Svindland v. The Nemours Foundation, vacated a defense verdict in a medical malpractice action because District Court Judge Berle M. Schiller of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not leave enough in the record as to his reasoning for his rulings and repeatedly interrupted plaintiffs' counsel, according to the opinion. "The lack of reasons given by the District Court, when combined with the manner in which the District Court dealt with these issues with counsel, has . "In... (Law.com)
Woman, Child Get $19M for Botched 'Forceps' Delivery Jul 3, 2008
6 million to a couple who sued a hospital for medical malpractice after their baby was brain-damaged at birth and the mother was mutilated in the delivery. The state Supreme Court jury in Queens awarded the money to Eun Sook Maing and her husband, Soo Maing, for injuries she and her baby suffered on Oct. 16, 1998, at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Manhattan. (Fox News)
Resuscitate, stat, health council Jul 3, 2008
That legislation included a provision to reauthorize MCare, a medical malpractice insurance program administered by the state. The House, after receiving the Senate bill, passed its own bill reauthorizing the Health Care Cost Containment Council but excluding MCare. (Scranton Times, PA)
Rep. Pritchard honored Jul 2, 2008
He also worked to keep doctors in his region by strongly advocating for medical malpractice reform, according to a news release. He also held a series of forums in his region to highlight the need for reform in Illinois. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Medical malpractice rates on hold Jul 2, 2008
The has postponed the setting of new medical malpractice insurance rates, originally scheduled for July 1. Superintendent of Insurance Eric Dinallo said the delay will provide time for the negotiation of reforms to the malpractice system, which could result in reduced rates. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Hip surgery in India? Insurance may pay Jul 1, 2008
One of the reasons foreign care is so cheap is because of limited recourse for medical malpractice claims, for instance. It sounds great, two weeks safari and my hip for half the price, said Sherman, of Group Health. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Attorney Minor appeals bribery conviction Jul 1, 2008
Minor amassed a fortune from asbestos, tobacco, medical malpractice and car safety litigation. He was found guilty along with former Circuit Judge John Whitfield and former Chancellor Wes Teel. (The Clarion-Ledger)
New York Personal Injury Law Firm Gives Three Reasons Why New York "Scaffold Law" Is Now Even Better For Workers Jul 1, 2008
Here are three reasons why:" Reason #1: The 'Sergeant Schultz' defense no longer applies. Now along with general contractors, construction managers and other third parties, building owners will also be held liable for accidents occurring at elevated heights on their property. This remains true whether or not the owner knew about it, whether or not a tenant broke the lease in getting it done. Reason #2: Safety first: workers protected. Although historically New York has been one of the states... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Med payout posts evoke big outcry Jul 1, 2008
2,317 - North Carolina doctors who had at least one medical malpractice payment of $1 or more during the decade from 1994 to 2003 ... Advertisements Sarah Avery, Staff Writer RALEIGH - It won't be easy, or popular, for the N.C. Medical Board to post medical malpractice payouts on its Web page, judging from the critics who voiced opposition to the idea during a public hearing Monday ... But the measure has met opposition from doctors and hospitals, the insurers who write their medical malpractice... (News & Observer)
Bills crowd into closing Pa. legislative window Jun 30, 2008
Doctors want the resumption of a state program that helped many of them pay their medical malpractice insurance premiums. The five-year, $1 billion subsidy paid for mostly by a 25 cent per-pack tax on cigarettes lapsed earlier this year when the Senate GOP opposed a Democratic plan to tap a surplus from the malpractice subsidy to expand health care insurance for uninsured adults. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Task force became task farce Jun 30, 2008
A task force set up to help fix New York's medical malpractice system was nothing but a "sham" that fell apart as special interests tried to profit from their positions on the panel, some members say ... "The other parties wanted this to go beyond the medical malpractice crisis," said Doroshow, who said lawyers' groups were actually late in pushing their own agenda after other members -- including hospital, physician and insurance representatives -- tried to get something out of attorneys and... (Albany Times Union)
Following tighter scrutiny, class actions may increase Jun 30, 2008
The suits have long been weapons of choice in disputes by a large number of plaintiffs that claim consumer product defects, insurance or financial loss and medical malpractice. There was a recent three-year period during which they hit a plateau. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Little urgency for STD bill's approval Jun 28, 2008
How could a bill affecting the scope of physician practice, access to medical records and medical malpractice quietly pass through the state Legislature. Add it to the Senate agenda on the last day. (Albany Times Union)
Harting, Simkins & Ryan LLP Announce Settlement for Client Jun 26, 2008
Harting, Simkins LLP aggressively protects the rights of their clients, and seeks fair compensation for all types of cases including Auto Accident, Slip and Fall, Medical Malpractice, Brain Injury and Wrongful death. About Harting, Simkins LLP: Harting, Simkins LLP is a full service law firm that provides representation to injury victims, injured workers, estate planning services, business contracts and negotiations, and family law matters. (PR Newswire)
Newly formed law firm opens in Starks Building Jun 25, 2008
The firm, which launched May 1, primarily handles defense litigation for product manufacturers, hospitals, media companies, utilities, and legal and medical malpractice insurance carriers. Partners in the firm are Patrick Gault and Timothy Napier, who formerly practiced together at. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Two families settle for combined $5 million in Geisinger malpractice suits Jun 24, 2008
Geisinger settled medical malpractice lawsuits with the families of both women Monday. Geisinger will pay approximately $3. (Scranton Times, PA)
New York Trial Lawyers Association President Speaks on "Impeaching Defense Expert" During Melvin Belli Society Seminar at AJA 2008 Annual Co Jun 24, 2008
al., Korek explains 10 minutes how he has effectively used expert witness testimony in a medical malpractice case ... Korek adds that his personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, Gersowitz, Libo , has maintained an expert witness database since the early 1990's ... About Jeff Korek Korek joined the Gersowitz, Libo in 1991 as partner and is a key litigator specializing in Medical Malpractice and Construction Accidents. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Child's plight exposes holes in ER care Jun 24, 2008
The specialists, many of whom have dropped their medical malpractice insurance coverage due to escalating premiums, are reluctant to provide ER services because of the risk of being sued. That has led to local ERs' transferring patients to hospitals in such far-flung locations as Tampa and Gainesville. (The Palm Beach Post)
U.S. battle over business lawsuits goes on Jun 23, 2008
In state courts, where most civil litigation plays out, the number of lawsuits involving auto accidents, allegations of medical malpractice and the like fell steadily from 1995 to 2005, according to the National Center for State Courts. The Chamber of Commerce says the number of megaverdicts for more than $100 million dropped to two last year, from 27 in 2000. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Older Nursing Homes Must Add Sprinkler Systems for Medicare ... Jun 21, 2008
Nursing Home Abuse, Medical Malpractice. Contact a lawyer. (SeniorJournal.com)
Oregon lawmakers to examine parenting, faith healing Jun 21, 2008
Silverton lawyer Doug Brown, who has taught medical malpractice and ethics at Chemeketa Community College, disagreed. The bottom line is the child can get medical care, said Brown, who helps to train emergency medical technicians. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Judge Horgos sidelined during inquiry Jun 19, 2008
Prompted by concerns about the ongoing probe, President Judge Joseph M. James in March removed Judge Horgos from a medical malpractice case just before the jury trial was to start. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has learned that Judge James became aware of the investigation and worried that it had the potential to disrupt a lengthy jury trial, which would be unfair to the litigants. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
American Physicians Service Group Jun 18, 2008
The insurance and financial services firm provides medical malpractice insurance and investment services through its subsidiaries. Last year the company acquired American Physicians Insurance Co. and announced a public offering of more than 2 million shares of common stock. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
State court overturns law on expert witnesses Jun 18, 2008
An Arizona appellate court ruling says a state law on medical malpractice lawsuits is unconstitutional. At issue is a law that sets qualifications required for expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases. (AZCentral -- News)
Nebraska couple awarded $1.2M for son's death Jun 18, 2008
2 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit they brought following the 2004 death of their 13-year-old son. Scott and Coni Brandt sued after Ty Brandt died Sept. 26, 2004, from complications following surgery to remove his appendix. (Sioux City Journal)
Quality check of hospitals is needed Jun 13, 2008
Problems range from inadequate and inappropriate treatment, excessive use of higher technologies, and wasting of the scarce resources to serious problems of medical malpractice and negligence. . (India Times, India)
For Attorney-Author, Writing and Law Go Hand in Hand Jun 12, 2008
He noted how Pat Conroy, in his novel "Beach Music," referred to a character's handwriting as "untied shoelaces." That kind of metaphor would be a useful way to describe a doctor's scribbled prescription order in a medical malpractice trial, Harp added. Structure and pace are critical in fiction writing, as they are in trial practice, said the lawyer, who is designated counsel for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, a union with more than 59,000 members. (Law.com)
ACCESS: Patients often struggle to obtain records Jun 12, 2008
"In malpractice there is a time clock working against the patient." Statutes of limitations for medical malpractice cases are set by state law and range from one to seven years. USA TODAY asked Phillips to review several of the complaints submitted to the patient-safety website regarding disputes over medical records. (USA Today -- News)
More of this story Jun 8, 2008
Hardman, according to his Practitioner Profile on the Florida Department of Health website, Dr. Hardman chose not to carry medical malpractice insurance, and said he had posted notice of such in his office at the time. The doctor, who attended medical school at Emory University was the first specialty practice doctor in Lake Wales. (Lake Wales News, FL)
City to appeal award in lawsuit over injury Jun 5, 2008
However, the jury was instructed that even if that is the case, the city is still responsible because medical malpractice is a foreseeable consequence of its negligence. And besides, Green said, Stopp believes the surgeries have been good for her, not bad. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Billings doctor settles 3 malpractice lawsuits Jun 5, 2008
- A physician and anesthesiologist who treated patients with chronic pain has recently settled three medical malpractice lawsuits that claimed the doctor's negligence resulted in death. Dr. David Healow, who operated a clinic called Pain Control Consultants until it closed in 2006, was accused of prescribing potentially lethal doses of pain medication to at least two patients. (Montana Standard, MT)
Local judge appointed to appellate court Jun 5, 2008
Prior to that she practiced in the areas of commercial and construction litigation, contract disputes and medical malpractice. Khouzam will fill the appellate court vacancy created by the retirement of E.J. Salcines. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)