Archive for August 02, 2005

Indiana woman awarded $300 thousand in medical malpractice case

In a case before a Tippecanoe County jury, a woman who alleged her doctor did not properly diagnose her with cancer was awarded $301, 670 on Friday.

Indiana court upholds $39 million ruling against Outback in alcohol-related accident

An Indiana appeals court last week upheld a $39 million ruling against an Outback Steakhouse, ruling the restaurant partially liable for a traffic accident caused by alcohol-impaired patron. The company plans to appeal the ruling.

Divorce Rate Among Active Duty Army Personnel On The Rise

As extended deployments in Iraqi drag on, the divorce rate among active duty Army personnel has significantly increased, especially among Army officers.

Proposed Oregon Bill Seeks To Legalize Civil Unions

A bill that would grant civil unions the many of the same legal rights married couple enjoy has passed the Oregon Senate and will now be presented to the Oregon House.

Stroke Victim Sues Bextra Manufacturer

Des Moines, Iowa -- A man who was taking the Bextra for his arthritis suffered a stroke, and now he has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc., the manufacturer of the drug.

Catholic Church Agrees To Increase Child Support For Priest's Son

The Roman Catholic Church recently agreed to increase the child support paid to the 12 year old son of a Catholic priest. The Catholic Church said it would provide counseling for the boy as well.

Nebraska Man Faces Sexual Assault Charges After Marrying A Teenager

In Falls City, Nebraska, a 22-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault of a 14-year old girl even though he is legally married to her.

Virtual Visitation Bill May Help Non-Custodial Parents

The Wisconsin Senate will consider a bill that will enable judges to grant virtual visitations to parents who are unable to see their children on a regular basis.

Man dies after San Jose police use Taser, batons

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Five San Jose police officers face administrative leave after the death of a 30-year-old man who was stunned with a Taser, sprayed with pepper spray and hit with a baton early Monday.

Unanswered questions remain in Taser death

SANTA ROSA, Calif -- The death of a man who was zapped six times with a Taser stun gun by police leaves unanswered questions about both the safety of the devices and the actions of police in the case.

Federal court reinstates $100 million lawsuit against New York State troopers

The U.S. Court of Appeals last week reinstated a $100 million lawsuit against three New York State troopers accused of improper use of deadly force to stop a group of motorcyclists on a state highway.

Indiana police department dumping Tasers amid safety concerns

MERILLVILLE, Ind. -- Amid mounting criticism and a class action lawsuit, Merillville, Indiana's Police Department has decided to dump its Taser stun guns.

Senate republicans move to force vote on gun lawsuit bill

Senate Republicans Wednesday moved to force a vote on a bill that would ban lawsuits against gun manufacturers when their products are used in crimes.

Baltimore Helicopter Fleet Grounded After California Crash

The city of Baltimore has grounded its four police helicopters for testing after a fatal crash in California.

Greyhound being sued in fatal wreck caused by attack on driver

ATLANTA -- Families of victims of a fatal 2001 bus wreck caused when a passenger slashed the driver's throat filed suit this week a Georgia court against Greyhound Lines, Inc.

So. California commuter rail system faces 135 claims in fatal crash

With just one more day to file, the commuter rail system that connects four Southern California counties has received 135 claims against it for a fatal January 26 crash caused by a failed suicide attempt.

Taser stun gun officially linked to death of Indiana man

CHICAGO -- A Taser stun gun used by Chicago police was determined to have been the cause of an Indiana man's death earlier this year, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Drug use was also a contributing factor.

Drug suspect dies from police Taser

NEW YORK -- A violent drug suspect died after being shot once with a police Taser yesterday inside a Queens station house.

Mother files wrongful death suit after son's Taser death

A woman filed a wrongful death suit against the Springfield Township Police Department, an officer, and Taser following the death of her 18-year-old son who died after police shocked him with the device.

Senate bans lawsuits against gun manufacturers

WASHINGTON -- The senate passed a bill that protects gunmakers, dealers, and importers from lawsuits brought by victims of gun crimes

Unanswered questions remain in Taser death

SANTA ROSA, Calif -- The death of a man who was zapped six times with a Taser stun gun by police leaves unanswered questions about both the safety of the devices and the actions of police in the case.

California Supreme Court Extends Current Domestic Partner Laws

On Monday, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously to extend current domestic partners laws: all private businesses that provide special marriage benefits or services must now extend such benefits to same-sex couples registered as domestic partners.

Arkansas city looks to Texas for help in court battle over liability

The City of Texarkana, Arkansas, this week asked a Texas appeals court to apply Arkansas law to a case in which a Texarkana, Arkansas, police officer was involved in a traffic accident in Texarkana, Texas.

Pharmacists join segregation lawsuit against Walgreens

ST. LOUIS -- Pharmacists have joined a federal lawsuit accusing Walgreen Co. drug stores of segregating and denying promotions to black employees.

New Study Suggests Patients Should Stop Taking NSAIDS before Gum Surgery

A recent study suggests that patients should stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID'S) such as Ibuprofen and Celebrex, prior to having gum surgery.

New Celebrex Label Approved

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has completed approval for label changes for the drug Celebrex.

Ferry Rider Seeks Life Salvage Award

In an unusual move, Victor Hinkson, a survivor of the 2003 Andrew J. Barberi ferry crash, is seeking a life salvage award for helping injured fellow passengers.

Injured Man's Family Sued By Boatmaker

Searrk Marine, formerly known as Monark of Arkansas has sued Donald Priest Holleb's step-grandfather and boat owner, Justin Nicholas for negligence in the August 2, 2001 boating accident that left Holleb with severe injuries.

San Francisco Airport Officials Seek Liability Protection

Airport officials at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are seeking new liability protection from the Department of Homeland Security.

Former America West Pilots Convicted

Describing their behavior as outrageous and horrendous, Florida Judge David Young convicted two former America West pilots for operating a commercial jet under the influence of alcohol.

Independence Air Faces Possible Fine

The Federal Aviation Administration says that it will propose a $1.5 million dollar fine for Independence Air due to missed inspections.

Recall of Lawnmower Parts Announced

Tecumseh Products Co. recently announced it is voluntarily recalling more than 20,000 transaxles used on seven riding lawnmower models due to a defect that could cause the brakes to malfunction.

Cruise Control Switch Focus of Ford Recalls

Two wrongful death lawsuits have already been filed, with more expected, as Ford continues to investigate what is causing certain models of their popular pickup trucks to unexpectedly catch on fire.

Study Finds Increase in Pesticide-Related Illnesses in Schools

A recent report reveals that pesticide use in or near schools sickened more than 2,500 people over a five-year period.

Coca-Cola Sponsoring Development of Technology to test Soft Drinks for Pesticides

In an apparent response to pressure from India, Coca-Cola announced that it is sponsoring research to develop technology to test the pesticide content of finished soft drinks.

California Weight Loss Surgeon Charged with Gross Negligence

State regulators in California have accused a Riverside weight-loss surgeon of medical malpractice after the death of six gastric bypass surgery patients who were under his care.

House Approves Bill Capping Non-Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

In a 226-201 vote, the House of Representatives passed a tort reform bill July 27th capping non-economic "pain and suffering" damages in medical malpractice lawsuits at $250,000.

Family of Injured Newborn Seeks 21.5 Million From Federal Government

The family of an infant who was given carbon dioxide instead of oxygen after birth filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the federal government seeking 21.5 million in damages.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Physician Charged with Diluting HIV/AIDS Medications

A federal grand jury has indicted former Orange County physician Dr. George Kooshian on charges of administering diluted and/or lower than prescribed dosages of medications for HIV/AIDS patients.

Doctor Found Liable After Leaving Surgical Needle in Patient

A New York State Supreme Court Justice has found a Manhattan surgeon liable for leaving a needle inside of a patient during abdominal surgery.

Physician With Record of Medical Malpractice Applies for License in Texas

An OB-GYN who agreed to a settlement in a case where she was accused of allowing a patient to bleed to death has recently filed an application to practice medicine in the state of Texas.

North Carolina Medical Board to Investigate Surgeon With History of Malpractice

Officials with the North Carolina Medical Board are determining whether disciplinary actions are necessary in the case of a surgeon who has been sued for medical malpractice more than 20 times.

Hospital Agrees to Pay $6.5 million to Patient Left in Vegetative State

According to an attorney, the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center recently agreed to a $6 million settlement for a patient who underwent surgery at the facility and incurred irreparable brain damage.

Attorney for Deceased Cancer Patient Argues Doctor Failed to Properly Identify Condition

As the medical practice case against a Pennsylvania doctor began recently, the prosecution alleged that the doctor did not identify bladder cancer in a former patient and thereby contributed to her death.

$2.3 Million Awarded to Widow of Man Paralyzed by Surgery

A jury in Chicago's Cook County Circuit Court awarded a woman $2.3 million after finding that her husband became paralyzed from a surgery he underwent at Advocate Christ Medical Center in 1994.

Federal Judge Awards Florida Man $1 Million in Medical Malpractice Case

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville was recently ordered to pay over $1 million dollars for providing substandard care to a former patient and causing him to suffer a potentially fatal condition.

2nd Lawsuit Filed Over Surgical Instruments Cleaned With Hydraulic Fluid

A second suit has recently been filed against two companies allegedly responsible for leaving hydraulic fluid in receptacles used by doctors at two North Carolina hospitals to clean their surgical instruments.

Medical Malpractice Case Filed Against Doctor Who Left Towel Inside Patient

Dr. Roger Thurman of Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, North Carolina, faces a lawsuit for leaving an 18" x 6" towel inside a surgery patient.

Illinois Woman Pursues Justice in Ongoing Medical Malpractice Case

The Illinois Supreme Court has given new life to Jan Sullivan's medical malpractice case against the doctor she claims to have seriously injured her through a botched abdominal surgery.

Sportscaster's Family Receives $1.95 Million in Medical Malpractice Case

A Manhattan jury found that three doctors who performed hip replacement surgery on former ESPN television and radio show host, Dick Schapp, acted negligently and ultimately caused his death.

Victim of Surgical Mistake Awarded $2 million

Jurors in Newport News, Virginia awarded Jerry Sinclair $2 million for brain damage he incurred during hip replacement surgery. An unsafe administration of anesthesia was found to be the cause.

Nurse's Aide in Michigan Arrested for Abusing Nursing Home Resident

On June 21, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox announced the arrest of Laticia Schevette Brown for physically abusing a resident of the nursing home where she was employed last year.

Petaluma Nursing Home Has History of Violating State and Federal Laws

State authorities have sanctioned the Pleasant Care Petaluma nursing home more than 20 times in the last five years.

Illinois Nursing Home Faces $1 Million Lawsuit over Pregnancy of Disabled Resident

A Machesney Park woman is suing the nursing home where she claims her daughter was sexually assaulted in late 2004.

Malpractice Suit Filed Against Physicians Who Removed Woman's Breasts on Mistaken Biopsy

A woman in Castle Rock, Colorado is suing the four Colorado Springs doctors who she claims mistakenly diagnosed her with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and subsequently removed her breasts.