Healthcare providers walk a fine line. They probably chose this challenging career because they are devoted to caring for others. But in today’s litigious climate, using certain words to demonstrate empathy might land them in hot water. For example, “I’m sorry.” If healthcare providers apologize to patients or their family members — even to express
COVID-19 has not stopped us from calling expert witnesses at trial, but in some cases, it has changed how we do it. Is your practice prepared if these changes become permanent? Our prediction is that many of the changes are here to stay. For example, consider how useful remote technology has proven to be in
In this Video Think Piece, Christina Billiet and Kaitlan Skrainar discuss a case they tried — and won — in which they employed a new strategy recently made available in Maryland: the Daubert challenge and evidentiary hearing. This case involved the death of a 75-year-old patient who presented to the ED and died six hours
State Boards are making it clear that physician sexual misconduct will not be tolerated. Stronger guidelines now call for physician’s licenses to be immediately suspended or revoked for sexual misconduct. The guidelines also provide clear direction for health care systems that are committed to promoting a culture of establishing and maintaining patient trust. Tragically, too
Former Law Clerk becomes third managing partner in firm’s 21-year history BALTIMORE – Waranch & Brown, LLC, one of the top litigation defense firms in Maryland, is pleased to announce Christina Billiet as its new managing partner. She succeeds the firm’s founding member, Neal Brown. The succession took effect on July 1. Ms. Billiet and
The stakes are getting higher, and the risks are real. Verdicts against health care entities and providers are becoming more severe and more frequent. The recent Inside Medical Liability publication from Medical Professional Liability (MPL) documents that from 2016 to 2019, the 50 largest verdicts nationally rose in severity over 50% — to an average