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Litigation Analysis

A new legal source for courts — Wikipedia?

[07/18/12]

Posted on July 18, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

Recently a new and unique “legal” source has been popping up in litigation. As you may know, Wikipedia is a collaborative online encyclopedia and according to a January 29, 2007, Article from The New York Times, “more than 100 judicial rulings have relied on Wikipedia, beginning in 2004, including 13 from Circuit Court of... READ MORE

Indiana Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument On Constitutionality Of Cap On Medical Malpractice Damages

[05/22/12]

Posted on May 22, 2012 in Health Law News, Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

On May 3, 2012, the Indiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Plank vs. Community Hospital challenging the constitutionality of the medical malpractice damages cap. Plank was represented by Robert S. Peck of the Center for Constitutional Litigation PC and John Muller of Montross, Miller, Muller, Mendelson & Kennedy at the... READ MORE

Uninsured Patients Challenge Discounts Given to Covered Patients

[05/14/12]

Posted on May 14, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

The Indiana Supreme Court heard argument on May 10, 2012, from two uninsured patients that claimed a non-profit hospital overbilled them. Specifically, they claimed the Hospital charged them more than insured patients for the same treatment. Both patients acknowledged signing contracts for payment in which they agreed to pay the Hospital’s bill if the... READ MORE

Settlement Reached in Hard-Fought Commercial Real Estate Case

[05/08/12]

Posted on May 8, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

After nearly three years of difficult litigation, the matter of Equity Industrial Partners (Needham, MA) vs. 7900 Rockville, LLC (Indianapolis, IN) was successfully completed with full satisfaction of Equity’s judgment against 7900, first entered in October, 2009. The case involved payment of real estate taxes following the $15 million purchase by Equity of the... READ MORE

Peer Review Privilege Denied in Federal Discrimination Case

[05/08/12]

Posted on May 8, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

A federal magistrate in a case alleging discrimination denied a hospital’s motion for a protective order preventing the discovery of peer review and credentialing files. In Awwad v. Largo Medical Center Inc., (M.D. Fla., No. 8:11-CV-1638, 4/12/12), a Florida physician, Awwad, claims the employing hospital revoked his medical staff privileges due to racial animus.... READ MORE

DISMISSED!

[04/26/12]

Posted on April 26, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

The Federal Court in the Southern District of Ohio dismissed a debtor’s claim against Reid Hospital, in Richmond, Indiana, and one of its employees, under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (“FDCPA”). The Court found that the Hospital was a creditor to whom the Plaintiff owed a debt, and therefore could not be held... READ MORE

In a Medical Malpractice Action, the Trial Court Has Equitable Power to Consider A Request for a Preliminary Determination of Law After the Panel Issues Its Written Opinion.

[04/23/12]

Posted on April 23, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

In September of 2011, the Indiana Court of Appeals rendered its opinion in Doe Corp. v. Honore, 950 N.E.2d 722 (Ind. Ct. of App. 2011). The central issue in the case was whether the trial court had equitable power to consider a request for a preliminary determination of law after the Medical Review Panel... READ MORE

The Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund Can Introduce Evidence Concerning The Existence and Compensable Nature of a Plaintiff’s Damages.

[04/06/12]

Posted on April 6, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

In May of 2011, the Indiana Court of Appeals rendered its opinion in Robertson (Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund “Fund”) v. B.O., et al. 949 N.E.2d 404 (Ind. Ct. of App. 2011). The central issue in the case was whether the Fund can introduce evidence concerning the existence and compensable nature of plaintiff’s damages after... READ MORE

When social media policies become violations of privacy

[03/30/12]

Posted on March 30, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

With the excessive over sharing that has become the hallmark of social networking, employers in the health care arena are becoming hyper-vigilant in protecting their facilities, hospitals, residents, and patients by developing policies and procedures related to mobile devices and social networking while on the job. In light of reports across the country that... READ MORE

Oregon nursing assistant jailed for posting resident photos to Facebook

[03/12/12]

Posted on March 12, 2012 in Litigation Analysis

Published by: Hall Render

The penalty for using Facebook or a cell phone at work can be more than termination.  Last month, an Oregon jury convicted Nai Mai Chao, a nursing assistant, of misdemeanor invasion of personal privacy for taking disturbing photos of elderly or disabled patients and posting them to her Facebook wall.  She spent eight days... READ MORE