Archive for the ‘Healthcare Law’ Category

On July 6th, 2010 a Humboldt County jury returned a verdict in excess of $670 million dollars against Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc., Skilled Healthcare LLC and 22 subsidiaries located throughout California for violating the state minimum staffing requirements.  The plaintiff class was represented by members W. Timothy Needham, Michael Crowley, Amelia Burroughs and Patrick Griego of the Janssen Law Firm from Eureka, by Michael Thamer from Callahan,  and Chris Healey of the Luce Forward firm from San Diego.  This is the highest verdict ever achieved against a nursing home chain and one of the highest in the United States this decade.   In its verdict the jury found that defendants understaffing was done with malice.   The jury will return on July 15th to decide the amount of punitive damages the defendants should pay as a result of their misconduct.   The specific Skilled Healthcare facilities sued were Alexandria Care Center, LLC, Alta Care Center, LLC, Anaheim Terrace Care Center, LLC, Bay Crest Care Center, LLC, Brier Oak on Sunset, LLC, Carehouse Healthcare Center, LLC, Devonshire Care Center, LLC, Elmcrest Care Center, LLC, Eureka Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Granada Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Hancock Park Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Montebello Care Center, LLC, Royalwood Care Center, LLC, Pacific Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Seaview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Sharon Care Center, LLC, St. Luke Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Sycamore Park Care Center, LLC, The Earlwood, LLC, Valley Healthcare Center, LLC, Villa Maria Healthcare Center, LLC, Willow Creek Healthcare Center, LLC.

Michael Morrison and Amelia Burroughs of this Eureka, Humboldt County firm recently concluded the successful defense of a medical malpractice jury trial in Yreka, Siskiyou County, California.  The trial, presided over by the Honorable Karen Dixon, was very well run.  The court staff was quite helpful, and the jurors very attentive. The trial was a pleasant experience and demonstrated the civil jury experience at its best.
The Janssen Law Firm represents clients in litigation in all Northern California counties and Federal Courts.

Among the many important functions of the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society is ongoing educational programs for health care professionals of Humboldt and Del Norte counties.  The next in the series of Risk Management Seminars will take place on October 1, 2009, and the subject matter will be “Anatomy of a Lawsuit.”  Presenters will include Risk Management and Claims professionals from Norcal Mutual Insurance Company and attorney Michael Morrison of the Janssen Law Firm in Eureka, CA.

As lessons will be drawn from actual, closed medical malpractice cases, health care professionals will have the opportunity to learn the “easy way” from the “hard lessons” of others.   Mr. Morrison’s extensive experience in representing physicians and allied health professionals in Humboldt County, Del Norte County and adjoining counties will assure local and practical advice during the presentation.  Mr. Morrison will also be available to answer questions from the attendees.

For more information please contact the Janssen Law Firm or Ms.  Penny Figas, Executive Director of the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society.