Health

State Legislatures Continue to Tackle Privacy Issues With New Consumer, Children’s, Biometric, and Health Data Bills

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Madison, Wisconsin – As state legislatures across the country get underway with their 2024 sessions, lawmakers are already focusing on a range of privacy bills, including those related to consumer data, children’s privacy, biometric data, consumer health data, and data brokerage. This marks the fifth year of tracking proposed state privacy legislation, with Husch Blackwell providing weekly updates, a state privacy law tracker map, and additional resources for clients. In an effort to make information more accessible, Husch Blackwell is changing its format this year. Instead of lengthy blog posts, the firm will provide bill … Read more

Unmasking the Controversial Impact of Third-Party Litigation Funding on Public Health, Innovation, and Patients

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Third party litigation funding (TPLF) has become an increasingly prevalent practice in the civil justice system, impacting various sectors, particularly medical technology manufacturers. However, concerns are being raised about the potential misuse of TPLF, arguing that it adversely affects public health, hampers innovation, and poses risks for patients. The use of TPLF has expanded significantly in recent years, contributing to the rise of mass tort litigation. Typically, this funding involves a third party providing financial assistance to claimants in exchange for a portion of any settlement or judgment in their favor. While … Read more

Panera Bread Faces Third Lawsuit Over Alleged Health Hazards of Charged Lemonade

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Greenville, Rhode Island – Panera Bread is facing a new lawsuit in Delaware, as a customer contends that the highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade drinks have left her with permanent heart issues. This is not the first time the company has been sued over the lemonade drinks, with two previous cases also blaming them for causing deaths. In response to the previous lawsuits, Panera added warning labels to its menu. However, customers are claiming that they were unaware of the contents of the drinks. The latest lawsuit was filed on behalf of Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old … Read more

Judge Declares Alleged $4M Settlement Invalid for Ottawa County Health Officer Amid Legal Battle

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MICHIGAN – A judge has declined to enforce an alleged $4M settlement for the Ottawa County health officer, stating that the agreement was not in compliance with legal requirements. The health officer, who filed a lawsuit against the county, claimed that she was wrongfully terminated from her position. However, the judge ruled that the settlement did not follow the necessary steps for approval. The dispute arose when the health officer was let go by Ottawa County. Alleging that her termination was unjustified, she pursued legal action against the county. Eventually, a settlement agreement … Read more