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3 Min Read

Court case could lead to unlimited awards of punitive damages

The Tennessee Supreme Court is reviewing a dispute between a life insurance company and the policy beneficiary. A jury initially awarded the beneficiary punitive damages which the insurance company claims violate a state law that caps such awards.

Judicial Advocacy
Industrial smokestacks.
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4 Min Read

Supreme Court case on Clean Air Act could have major health implications

The Clean Air Act gives the EPA power to restrict carbon emissions that cause climate change and endanger human health. A West Virginia case limiting the EPAs authority is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Judicial Advocacy
Close-up of gavel and scope resting on a desk.
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3 Min Read

Illinois supreme court case could extend medical liability

An Illinois case involving the statute of limitation for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is under review by the state supreme court. The case revolves around when the filing period starts. Is it from the time of death or when the plaintiff learns of circumstances that may have contributed to or caused death?

Judicial Advocacy
Exterior of court building.
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3 Min Read

New Jersey Supreme Court case could expose physicians to large fines

The Supreme Court of New Jersey is reviewing a case about insurance fraud and a physician’s referral of patients to health care facilities where they have financial relationships. At issue is if fraud is based on what the medical group or practice should have known, as opposed to what they actually knew.

Judicial Advocacy
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2 Min Read

Florida court decision on censorship in the exam room

A rare rehearing has been granted for a Florida case that limits what health and safety topics physicians can talk about in the exam room. The law bars physicians from freely discussing firearm safety with their patients.

Judicial Advocacy
Columns in front of US courthouse.
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6 Min Read

How medical liability reforms will be advanced, challenged in 2016

Details of plans the AMA has to continue to address upcoming medical liability reform efforts that drain health care resources that could be devoted instead to improved quality of care and access for patients.

Federal Advocacy
Courtroom gavel on a desktop in front of law books.
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3 Min Read

Oregon supreme court case could alter legal definition of injury

At stake is whether or not the Oregon Supreme Court should determine if “loss of chance” for a better outcome should be recognized as a legal injury in medical liability lawsuits. Existing law doesn’t include loss of chance.

Judicial Advocacy
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2 Min Read

Court decides: Is patient safety information protected?

A Florida district court of appeal considered whether patient safety information is protected from disclosure under a federal act in a medical liability case against a hospital and its physicians.

Judicial Advocacy
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3 Min Read

Court decides whether insurers can be sued for underpaid claims

A U.S. court of appeal ruled physicians who are assigned insurance policy benefits have the right to bring lawsuits against insurers who underpay for medically necessary services provided to covered patients.

Judicial Advocacy