Parents lost their chance to sue for medical malpractice in the death of their 3-year-old son when they used an expert opinion from a nurse to challenge care by two defendant neurologists, a Norfolk Circuit Court ruled on Nov. 12. ...
Read More »Settlements often kept under wraps
Two Virginia judges have taken different views of the value of public disclosure of lawsuit settlements for cases involving death or child victims. The extent of the public’s right to know about the handling of significant cases with potentially vulnerable ...
Read More »Med-mal plaintiffs press for complete hospital records
Another ruling in a Newport News court could help lawyers for hospital patients get a comprehensive look at the information hiding deep in electronic medical records. Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman Jr. has been pressing for full disclosure of digital hospital ...
Read More »Avoid religious discrimination liability while hiring
What do you do if a job candidate walks into an interview wearing a hijab, yarmulke or cross? You may have no intention of discussing religion during the interview, yet the candidate’s headwear, facial hair, jewelry or tattoos may raise ...
Read More »Trust but verify: Misplaced reliance can put providers at risk
The poet John Donne first penned the line that “no man is an island.” This adage is especially applicable to healthcare professionals. Every day, healthcare providers rely on countless other individuals to render effective care and treatment. Patients, their family ...
Read More »Doctor sues pharmacy for defamation
A physician at a Petersburg pain clinic is suing CVS pharmacy for defamation based on pharmacy employees’ alleged comments about the physician being investigated for prescribing too many pain medications. The pharmacy is fighting back with a defense of qualified ...
Read More »Roanoke doctor settles defamation claim
A Roanoke anesthesiologist who sued a trauma surgeon for critical statements he made after the death of a patient has settled his defamation claim for an undisclosed amount The $2.35-million suit filed by Dr. Bradley J. Cashion had been cleared ...
Read More »Settlements with state take a long time to conclude
The family of a patient severely burned when hospital staffers allegedly used a coffee maker to fill hot water compresses has recovered a half million dollars from the University of Virginia Health System. The burn case was settled in May ...
Read More »Noncompete at issue after dismissal
A Salem physician claims he was terminated by his practice group after the business forced him to sign a noncompete agreement that now bars him from working anywhere near his home. Allergist Thomas Fame is asking a judge to release ...
Read More »Suit under False Claims Act proceeds
A cardiologist fired by a medical practice after uncovering alleged improper billing practices can sue the practice and six colleagues under the federal False Claims Act, a Richmond federal judge has held. The case presents an apparent issue of first ...
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