Colorado Supreme Court Weighs Jury Authority in Multi-Million Dollar Medical Malpractice Case

Colorado justices are weighing the extent of judicial authority over jury awards in medical malpractice cases, a debate ignited by the injury of a newborn girl. Following a severe hospital error that led to lasting damage, her parents sought compensation, resulting in a jury award of over $27 million primarily for future care. However, Colorado law generally caps such damages at $1 million, with exceptions possible if a judge identifies compelling reasons to exceed that limit. Now, the Colorado Supreme Court is addressing crucial questions about judges’ roles after juries have made their decisions. Specifically, … Read more

"Historic $5.7 Million Verdict Marks Landmark Case on Medical Negligence in Suicide Prevention"

Overland Park, Kansas — A jury awarded $5.7 million to Christopher Yates after finding that two medical professionals at a local hospital were negligent in the care of his wife, Kim Yates, who died by suicide. This groundbreaking verdict marks the largest recovery in Johnson County for a case involving medical negligence or wrongful death. Following a two-week trial that concluded last Friday, the jurors determined that staff at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center failed in their duty of care. Christopher Yates, who took his wife to the hospital after her second suicide attempt, claimed … Read more

DEA’s Last Gamble? Judge Mulrooney’s Ruling on Medical Marijuana Sparks Constitutional Showdown

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Judge Mary Mulrooney’s recent ruling regarding medical marijuana has ignited discussions about the agency’s future direction amid evolving legal landscapes. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Mulrooney’s decision is widely perceived as a pivotal moment that could alter the DEA’s longstanding stance on cannabis regulation. In her ruling, Mulrooney determined that the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance—defined by the federal government as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use—may not hold up under scrutiny when assessed alongside emerging scientific evidence. This shift in perspective aligns with … Read more

Faegre Drinker Strengthens New York Office with Seasoned Medical Device Litigator Daniel Smulian

New York – Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has strengthened its legal team by adding seasoned medical device litigator Daniel Smulian as a partner in its New York office. With nearly two decades of experience at Greenberg Traurig, Smulian is set to enhance the firm’s product liability and mass torts practice. Smulian’s extensive experience in litigation encompasses guiding clients through various stages of legal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, discovery phases, and both trials and appeals. Throughout his career, he has played key roles in multiple trial teams, managing the discovery process across hundreds of active … Read more