Case Notes
August 01, 2003
Highlights of the latest product liability cases from around the country.
Avoiding Ambush: Tips for the Successful Preparation and Presentation of Witnesses
August 01, 2003
A successful defense against a consumer's claim that she was damaged from using a medication manufactured by one of your pharmaceutical clients may hinge significantly on the testimony provided by a research scientist, a pharmacologist, or perhaps a warnings or a marketing specialist. While these witnesses have key sources of knowledge about the product, its development, testing, labeling and/or distribution, they may also bring with them fears and inadequacies that could result in the ambush of your defense.
Online: Check Out ANSI Web Site for Information on Standardization
August 01, 2003
One way for a manufacturer to ensure it has a proper warning on its product is to "use credible industry groups and trade associations, such as American National Standards Institute, for advice and guidance on labeling." "Manufacturers Beware: Liability When Warning Labels Are Ignored or Disobeyed," Product Liability Law & Strategy, July, 2003, Pg. 1.The Web site for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is <i>www.ansi.org.</i> It is a private, nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
Implement a Compliance Plan Before It's Too Late!
August 01, 2003
In this era of heightened scrutiny of health care practices, every provider of health care services or products (<i>ie</i>, medical practices, clinical laboratories, billing companies, durable medical equipment suppliers, etc.) must implement compliance plans to educate their employees to avoid questionable billing practices before they become the subject of government criminal or civil investigations or lawsuits.
Muddying the Mental Health Waters
August 01, 2003
<b><i>Too Many Professionals Can Wreak Legal Havoc</i></b> Psychiatry is far from being the only mental health profession. A review of the statutes in just this author's state of Alaska reveals separate professional licensing boards for social workers, marital and family therapists, nurses, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates and, of course, physicians.
Spoliation of Evidence: The Lost Records Effect
August 01, 2003
There are two types of spoliation of evidence in medical negligence litigation: physical and content. Physical spoliation of evidence occurs where the tortfeasor physically destroys evidence or in some way makes the evidence unavailable. For example, there's the "shredder effect," where the record is physically destroyed. Or the record can be left on the Risk Manager's desk until the day prior to trial. In either event, there is no physical record.
Jury Awards $12.5 Million to Paralyzed Boy
August 01, 2003
In one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Connecticut state history, a jury ordered Hartford Hospital to pay $12.5 million to a boy who became paralyzed from the neck down while awaiting surgery for a spinal tumor 7 years ago.
Verdicts
August 01, 2003
Recent cases of importance to your practice.
1099-MISCgivings: Reporting Taxable Awards & Settlements
August 01, 2003
The Federal tax code and corresponding regulations require a lawyer to send a 1099-MISC form to certain individuals (and non-incorporated business entities) who receive disbursements from the lawyer's trust fund for legal awards and settlements. Writing on behalf of a law firm, an accounting firm reader has asked about the proper way to report such disbursements.
