New York Hospital to Pay $89 Million to Settle Fraud Claims Sep 16, 2008
Reich suggested filing the qui tam action to Ryan after investigating a medical malpractice action against the hospital. "While investigating the case, we discovered that this hospital was the only hospital that provided body radiosurgery, so the query was: if it's the only hospital providing it, how could it be reimbursable through Medicare?" said Reich. (Law.com)
'Family Court With Judge Penny' Sep 16, 2008
During her time on the bench, Brown Reynolds consecutively directed the proceedings in a variety of cases, including domestic violence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, contract disputes, personal injury, driving under the influence and other misdemeanor criminal violations. Prior to her court appointment, she served as executive counsel to Georgia's governor, the first African-American in the state's history to hold that position. (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
Merger lets Doctors cut malpractice-insurance rates Sep 15, 2008
The Doctors Co., one of the nation s largest medical malpractice insurers, has filed with state regulators for an average 18. 2 percent rate reduction affecting California member physicians, officials said late last week. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Amount of time, money firms invest in lawsuits a case-by-case call Sep 15, 2008
A jury awarded Jim more than $4 million in damages in a medical malpractice suit ... The attorneys at in Wichita have invested three years and $400,000 representing Kyle Jim in his medical malpractice case against. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
This week's letters to the editor, mostly about the election Sep 13, 2008
Fri Sep 12, 2008, 05:11 PM EDT. Hecht supporters: sign theft disturbing. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
OHSU, trial lawyers agree on liability cap Sep 12, 2008
Many state agencies are covered by Oregon's tort cap, but OHSU has the most at stake because of the expense that comes with medical malpractice claims. The state Supreme Court effectively tossed the liability cap last December when it gave the family of Jordaan Clarke permission to pursue a $17 million medical malpractice lawsuit against OHSU.. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
OHSU, Oregon trial lawyers agree on lawsuit cap Sep 11, 2008
OHSU is one many state agencies covered by Oregon's tort cap, but it has the most at stake given the frequency and size of its medical malpractice claims ... The Oregon Supreme Court effectively threw out the liability cap in late 2007 when it gave the family of a brain-damaged boy permission to pursue a $17 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the university. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Is Autism caused by the Measles Vaccine? Study reveals no link Sep 9, 2008
com is comprised of news and articles contributed by: Business litigation lawyers, mesothelioma attorneys, construction accident attorneys, drug product liability lawyers, employment lawyers, medical malpractice lawyers, and family / divorce law specialists. To submit news please review Justice News Flash. (Justice News Flash)
Doctors Co. files for 18.2% average dip in Golden State medical malpractice rates Sep 7, 2008
2% average dip in Golden State medical malpractice rates - San Francisco Business Times ... 2% average dip in Golden State medical malpractice rates ... The , one of the nation s largest medical malpractice insurers, has filed with state regulators for an average 18. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Experts: Untreated pain as serious a problem drug abuse Sep 6, 2008
Larry Riley, a Missoula attorney with the law firm Garlington, Lohn and Robinson, said he attended the two-day pain conference because he frequently defends physicians in medical malpractice cases and wanted to learn more about the challenges that physicians and patients face. Dr. Randale Sechrest, medical director of the Montana Spine and Pain Center, said the number of primary care physicians in Missoula willing to treat pain patients has plummeted in recent years because doctors fear... (Missoulian, MT)
Private lawyer hired to represent Palin in Monegan inquiry Sep 2, 2008
He handles employment cases and has defended clients against dental, legal and medical malpractice claims. He is with the firm Clapp Peterson Van Flein Tiemessen & Thorsness, which has offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks. (Anchorage Daily News)
Who should keep tabs on medical malpractice? Sep 1, 2008
DNA - Mumbai - Who should keep tabs on medical malpractice ... Who should keep tabs on medical malpractice. (Daily News & Analysis)
THEIR VIEW: Malpractice premiums; Drinking age Aug 30, 2008
The state's doctors got a bit of much-needed relief last week when state officials delivered a temporary respite from the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance. A bill that Gov. David A. Paterson signed will freeze rates for a year and also forego an anticipated surcharge on policyholders. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Wyo. communities getting in line for doctor incentives Aug 28, 2008
Each community that receives a grant will get up to 80,000 to help cover a physicians signing bonus, moving expenses and medical malpractice premiums. The Rural and Frontier Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health plans to award the grants by the end of September. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
AT&T Loses Workplace Racial Discrimination Case Aug 25, 2008
It has expertise and significant experience in a broad range of cases, including personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability negligence, commercial disputes, trademark infringement and. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of, among other things, race, color, and national origin. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Court Calls $8-a-Day Med-Mal Award for Amputee a 'Miscarriage of Justice' Aug 23, 2008
In an unusual if not unprecedented parsing of a medical malpractice verdict, a New Jersey state appeals court held Tuesday that a $100,000 award for pain and suffering was too low because it amounted to $8 a day for the rest of the plaintiff's life. The Appellate Division ordered a new trial on the $100,000, finding it "grossly insufficient and a miscarriage of justice," but left in place the liability verdict and $800,000 in economic damages. (Law.com)
Gov. Paterson signs into law bill that freezes medical malpractice rates for 1 year Aug 23, 2008
Gov. David Paterson gave the state's physicians some relief on Thursday when he signed legislation that freezes medical malpractice rates for one year ... The freeze is aimed at keeping premiums in check, while allowing state officials to continue developing a long-term reforms to medical malpractice issues ... Eliot Spitzer formed a statewide task force charged with defining major causes of medical malpractice and what contributes to the high cost of insurance against such claims. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Malpractice Rates Frozen Aug 23, 2008
Governor Paterson is freezing medical malpractice insurance rates for a year, as doctors claim the high costs are driving them out of the state of New York ... New York's medical malpractice insurance rates are among the highest rates in the nation. (FOX23 News, NY)
INDEPENDENT VIEW: Lawyers and our civil legal system Aug 23, 2008
gtown wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:05 PM:" Tort reform is a term tossed around by many. Tell me sir, how should AZ tort law be reformed and why? You spout off about things you know nothing about. Everything you request in your article is already in place: Judges can sanction attorneys, there are time limitations set for trial procedures, and frivolous law suits are already prohibited and sanctionable. Your grasp on medical malpractice is very loose, at best. If you think lawyers are an unpenetrable... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Physicians get insurance rate relief Aug 23, 2008
ALBANY New York s physicians will get a reprieve from soaring medical malpractice insurance rates ... The measure will freeze medical malpractice premium rates for physicians and suspend an anticipated surcharge until June 30, 2009, according to a Friday press release from the Governor s Office ... However, our work is now cut out for us, and we remain committed to creating comprehensive and meaningful medical malpractice reform. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Doctors Can be Dangerous to Your Health! -- New Book Unveils Shocking Revelations About Medical Malpractice and Medical Care Aug 23, 2008
-- New Book Unveils Shocking Revelations About Medical Malpractice and Medical Care: Financial News - Yahoo ... -- New Book Unveils Shocking Revelations About Medical Malpractice and Medical CareFriday August 22, 7:00 pm ET ... She wrote this book to alert people to doctors' mistakes and medical malpractice. (Primezone Releases)
Over Defense Objection, Plaintiff Can Compel Videotaping of Her Deposition Aug 21, 2008
Her ruling, on Aug. 15 and issued on July 22, arose in a medical malpractice suit ... LaMarche did not fall into either category and her age and physical condition did not render her unique in a medical malpractice case, Duran said. (Law.com)
Three vie for Governor's Council seat Aug 21, 2008
Doyle, who is making his first run for public office, said he had gotten to know the ins and outs of the court system thoroughly while handling medical malpractice cases. He previously worked in the insurance industry at Tufts Medical Center. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Affair With Former Client's Wife Costs Attorney $1.5 Million Aug 20, 2008
Affirming a jury verdict in Rankin County Circuit Court, the Supreme Court of Mississippi found Ronald Henry Pierce liable to his former client, Ernest Allan Cook, who, along with his wife Kathleen Shorkey Cook, had hired Pierce to represent them and their son in a medical malpractice action ... The Cooks terminated Pierce as their attorney in the medical malpractice action in December 2000 and were divorced in June 2002 on the grounds of Kathleen Cook's uncondoned adultery. (Law.com)
Commission's PMC agreement Aug 16, 2008
Specifically, except as the parties may agree in the Definitive Agreements, the Joint CBO will not assume, and the Foundation will be responsible for, and indemnify Capital Partner and the Joint CBO against, any and all liabilities, indebtedness, commitments, or obligations of any kind whatsoever, that relate to the contribution of the PMC Assets or the operation of the Hospital and the Facilities prior to the closing, including, without limitation, existing debt, environmental claims or claims... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
McCain's BFF Aug 16, 2008
featured advertiser links. assessment: Taking stock of people and ideas in the news. (Slate)
Rare collection of Lennon art on display Aug 15, 2008
Personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability. www. (Yahoo News)
The Alternative Democratic Convention Schedule Aug 15, 2008
As an added entertainment bonus, Edwards will be able to channel the voices of Democrats who were unable to attend just like he has done in the past with dead people, as a medical malpractice trial attorney. Session Four Half-Time Entertainment: Bustin (A Move) Out Of The Closet. (Human Events Online)
Doyle holds successful kick-off for Governors Council Aug 15, 2008
His work specializing in medical malpractice provides him a thorough knowledge of the judicial system. Doyle, a Waltham resident, has been happily married to his wife Patricia for 39 years. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Fowler White to split off insurance defense practice Aug 14, 2008
That will include the medical malpractice and workers compensation business. Altogether, that accounts for roughly 40 attorneys. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Veteran lawmaker again faces GOP challenger Aug 14, 2008
Anderson said the state already is doing some things, but he'd like to see a constitutional amendment to allow tort reform -- limits on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. In my opinion we need to do some tort reform to make insurance more affordable, Anderson said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
American Physicians Service Group, Inc. (AMPH) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to Ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell Aug 14, 2008
APS is an insurance and financial services firm with subsidiaries and affiliates which provide medical malpractice insurance for physicians and other healthcare providers; and brokerage and investment services to institutions and high net worth individuals. The Company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. (Primezone Releases)
Steely Dan Plans Tour Finale in Santa Rosa! Aug 14, 2008
Focused on Medical Malpractice Law. Santa Rosa. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Circuit Judge Group 28: Buttner for bench Aug 14, 2008
Circuit judges can tackle a wide range of cases, from sensitive child custody matters and murder trials to multimillion-dollar lawsuits between companies and medical malpractice cases. Both candidates point to skills, positive qualities and experiences. (Florida Times-Union)
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)
