Plaintiff’s accident reconstructionist (Webb) in an auto defect case was deposed about his proposed testimony. Thereafter, Webb signed an errata sheet that changed four of the variables he used to make his calculations. Among the changes were a change in the angle of the subject vehicle from 22 degrees to 44 degrees and an…
Day on Torts
Adjuster v. Lawyer
This video demonstrates the struggles that defense lawyers have with some claims adjusters.
Hospitals Fail to Follow-Up on Test Results
A new study reveals that as many as 75 percent of hospital tests are not followed up and this failure can have serious consequences for patients, including delayed or missed diagnoses and even death. The study is a "study of studies," and looked at 12 international studies. The work showed…
Doctor Turned Congressman Has A History of Malpractice Cases
Here is an interesting story from the New York Times. Malpractice Bill Raises Issues About a Lawsuit By BARRY MEIER Published: February 8, 2011 The lawmaker and retired obstetrician sponsoring a Congressional bill to sharply cut medical malpractice awards was involved in a $500,000 settlement of a malpractice lawsuit. The…
Adverse Event Protocol in Anesthesia
The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation has released this Adverse Event Protocol discussing what should be done when things go bad for a patient receiving or who is under anesthesia. As the author of the plan explains, the "plan of action will help minimize damage to the patient (and also to…
Discovery Of an Expert’s Income From Testifying
The Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has ruled that an expert should not be required to reveal details about his income from testifying as an expert witness. In Gensollen v. Pareja, No. A-0401010T3, (N.J.A.D. 11/19/10), doctor who examined the plaintiff in a personal injury case admitted…
Preventing and Management of Operating Room Fires
The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation has created a video that discusses how to prevent and manage fires that occur in the operating room. The video is 18 minutes long and was released in February 2010. Here is what the organization says about operating room fires: The most notable finding when…
Lies, Damn Lies and Medical Malpractice Reform
Tennessee consumers injured by medical negligence are facing a full assault on their right to trial by jury. Some members of the new General Assembly seem hell-bent on placing arbitrary caps on damages, notwithstanding the fact that medical malpractice lawsuits are down over 40% and malpractice insurer profits are soaring.…
2010 Medical Malpractice Reports Due March 1, 2011
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has put the medical malpractice case reporting form on its website. The reports must be filed on or before March 1, 2011. Plaintiff’s medical malpractice attorneys who concluded a case in 2010 must complete this form.
Improper Closing Argument on Uncalled Witness Constitutes Reversible Error
The Oregon Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in a case where defense counsel’s closing argument included a discussion of the testimony of an expert who never testified at trial. The majority and dissenting opinions collect law from across the country on this issue and provide a gold mine…