Medical Malpractice
Seeking Dismissal in Defense of a Client
One of the first questions we ask when engaged to defend a client in a matter: Is it possible to secure a dismissal before our client must expend unnecessary time, resources and emotional energy? Indeed, some claims have merit and are appropriately pursued. Many claims, however, do not – at least against the client we…
Read MoreHospital Liability for Acts of Its Agents, Employees and/or Independent Contractors in Michigan
Medical malpractice is a special tort claim involving the professional negligence of licensed healthcare providers. To prevail in a medical malpractice action in Michigan, a plaintiff must prove four elements: (1) Duty, (2) Breach, (3) Causation, and (4) Damages. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may be vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their nurses,…
Read MoreEXPERT TESTIMONY IS REQUIRED TO DEFEAT SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASES
In a medical malpractice action, a plaintiff must establish three elements: 1. The defendants’ duty in relation to the plaintiff; 2. The defendants’ failure to conform its conduct to the requisite standard of care; and 3. An injury to the plaintiff resulting from that failure. The plaintiff must prove by expert testimony that the defendant…
Read MoreA Patient’s Duty and Contributory Negligence in Medical Malpractice
As a general rule, Indiana common law uses the comparative fault doctrine for negligence actions. However, Indiana’s adoption of the comparative fault doctrine specifically excluded “actions against qualified healthcare providers for medical negligence.” Instead, the doctrine of contributory negligence applies to actions for medical negligence against qualified healthcare providers. A plaintiff’s contributory negligence operates as…
Read MoreMultiple Recoveries Under Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Act
Medical Malpractice is defined as “a tort or breach of contract based on health care or professional services that were provided, or that should have been provided, by a health care provider, to a patient.” The total amount recoverable depends on the year the claim accrued. Further, Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Act provides for a cap…
Read MoreThe Litigation Psychology Podcast
Featuring Georgianne Walker and Dr. Bill Kanasky
Read MoreHealth Care Immunity for COVID-19
Indiana law provides some protections for those who furnish health care in response to a disaster emergency declared by the governor, as Governor Eric Holcomb did to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. As news reports have made clear, our medical personnel and facilities have been faced with treating unanticipated numbers of patients for a new…
Read MoreIndiana Senate Approves Increase In Medical Malpractice Payment Cap
South Bend / Mishawaka, IN – After multiple prior attempts, Indiana lawmakers may have finally reached a consensus to raise the total compensation cap under Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Act. This is the first time the cap will be increased since 1999. The current law permits a total recovery of $1.25 million with a cap of $250,000.00…
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