Legal News

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

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Fired federal workers file class action lawsuit naming HHS, DOGE

Staff purged from the Department of Health and Human Services by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency claim their termination notices contained bogus information and other inaccuracies that were cited as justifications for performance-based firings. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.

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Landmark COVID malpractice trial begins over death of 19-year-old with Down syndrome

The family of Grace Schara claims Ascension Health’s St. Elizabeth Hospital gave their unvaccinated daughter a cocktail of drugs that ultimately caused her death. The case has earned the attention of Children’s Health Defense, a controversial nonprofit formed by HHS Secretary Robery F. Kennedy Jr. 

UnitedHealth shareholders approve CEO’s $60M compensation package

Returning CEO Stephen Hemsley will receive a base salary of $1 million per year, alongside a one-time bonus package in stocks worth $60 million. He is not eligible to receive future bonuses until 2028, the company confirmed in a SEC filing. 

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Hospital sues contractor claiming floors at $100M facility are not level

A series of lawsuits has been filed against Plenary Health Care Partnerships, the consortium hired by the Ontario government to build Humber River Health’s new Toronto hospital, alleging floors are deteriorating and the water system was faulty.

Cigna

Cigna, CVS sue to block Arkansas' PBM regulation

The newly signed law, known as Act 264, bans pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies in the state. It's scheduled to go into effect beginning in 2026.

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Radiologist arrested for allegedly running secret abortion operation with his wife

Police report the couple orchestrated five illegal abortions over a period of eight months, though they say that number is likely higher.

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Elon Musk and his business partner abruptly leave DOGE

The billionaire CEO of Tesla said his time serving in an official capacity in the Trump administration is at an end, though he will remain an advisor.

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Neurosurgeon awarded $5.8M in whistleblower retaliation lawsuit

This is the second time Mark Linskey, MD, has been awarded a judgement. He claims UC Irvine kicked him out of a residency program when he reported patient safety concerns and multiple incidents of waste at the academic health system.