Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendant—or accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

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Anesthesiologist faces manslaughter charges in 'music bingo' death

An anesthesiologist in Colorado has been indicted on manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges after a patient died during routine cataract surgery. It was discovered that a game of music bingo may have been the distraction that led to Bart Writer, 56, losing his life.

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DOJ: Fraud settlements hit record $6.8B in 2025, with healthcare a primary focus

Of the $6.8 billion in judgments and settlements the U.S. Department of Justice reclaimed under the False Claims Act, $5.7 billion came from healthcare cases. The agency said fraud involving Medicare reimbursements, unnecessary patient care and managed care scams remains a key focus.

Trinity Health

Radiology practice prepares to ditch hospital partner 3 years before new contract ends

Danbury, Connecticut-based Advanced Imaging Specialists previously sued Trinity Health in November and is now prepared to vacate their contract amid ongoing challenges. 

hologic

Investors sue to block private equity firms’ $18B acquisition of Hologic

The Marlborough, Massachusetts-based mammography systems manufacturer revealed details about the litigation in a Jan. 26 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

cyberattack cybersecurity IT

Lawsuit filed against nonprofit hospital after Cerner hack exposes thousands

Aultman Health System notified its patients of the data breach in December 2025. However, the breach occurred some 11 months earlier. The organization said the delay was due to an ongoing investigation. The lawsuit against Aultman is seeking class action status.

Alex Pretti

National Nurses United plans week of demonstrations to support man slain by ICE

National Nurses United plans demonstrations in 12 states and Washington, D.C. for Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. The list of demands includes the defunding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Medicare fraud

California man pleads guilty in $54M radiology and hospice care fraud scheme

Alex Alexsanian, 48, of Burbank, entered a plea to one count of money laundering conspiracy on Jan. 20, with the scam tied to Saint Gorge Radiology, located in Sylmar. 

Texas announces childhood vaccine probe as RFK-backed group files RICO case against AAP

The Children’s Health Defense, a vaccine-skeptic lobby once chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., filed a complaint in federal court against the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging it engaged in systemic corruption. The same day, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his state would be investigating the financial ties between vaccine developers, insurers and pediatricians.