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.

DOJ accuses New York health system of engaging in anticompetitive business practices
In a complaint filed in federal court, the U.S. Department of Justice claims NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital uses its power of “scale, breadth and configuration” to control payer contracts, making it difficult for insurers to develop low-cost plans. The health system denies any wrongdoing.
Patient injected with acid instead of saline earns undisclosed settlement
The disturbing case highlights a series of process errors and cost-cutting measures that ultimately led to the “never event” accident.
Activist investors sue UnitedHealth to force annual reporting on patient care access
Led by a Quebec-based faith organization, a coalition of investors is asking a court to force UnitedHealth to provide details on the social impacts of its history of mergers and acquisitions. The lawsuit comes after the plaintiffs, all company shareholders, failed to get the proposal passed through internal channels. The Securities and Exchange Commission has also opted not to intervene.
Trump DOJ launches probe into three medical schools over possible race-based admissions
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and UC San Diego School of Medicine all received letters this week where federal authorities are requesting details related to admissions, including standardized test scores, donor correspondence and more. The schools say they are already compliant with state and federal regulations.
Novartis sued for allegedly leaking data on breast cancer patient to Google, Contentsquare
In a lawsuit seeking class action status, a woman identified as “P.M.” said she began using the website for Kisqali, a Novartis breast cancer treatment, in late 2024 shortly after being issued a prescription. Unbeknownst to her, sensitive data she shared when seeking a discount may have been shared with advertisers.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are rare in sports cardiology—but they can cost providers millions

When doctors are accused of mishandling the heart health of a young athlete, it occasionally ends up being settled in a courtroom.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sign.

HHS, RFK sued by medical associations over COVID policy shift

Multiple professional groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, challenge recent policy changes to vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, which end routine inoculations for minors and pregnant women.

What’s in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—and what was left out?

Sweeping tax cuts and reduced spending on Medicaid and SNAP were signed into law by President Donald Trump. However, a key provision that would have paused new AI regulations was removed by the Senate.

‘Flesh-eating’ hoax on UnitedHealth leaves Las Vegas woman behind bars

Jennifer Forbes, 50, allegedly sent a cryptic, threatening letter to a UnitedHealthcare office along with an unknown substance. She has been charged with two counts of terrorism.

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Wrongful death lawsuit filed after restrained hospital patient dies of cardiac arrest

The family of Gay Sherman Weintz, 55, said she died as a result of 24-hour physical restraint, combined with staff at Middlesex Hospital ignoring signs of a medical crisis. Her son, Chauncey Smith, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Lab owner indicted in $290M COVID fraud scheme pleads not guilty

Mahmood Sami Khan, 36, has been charged on five counts of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

State briefly bans university from issuing new radiologic technologist licenses, leaving hundreds ‘in limbo’

However, those fighting the decision declared victory Monday after filing a lawsuit against the New York Department of Health.

Legal News

DOJ accuses New York health system of engaging in anticompetitive business practices

Patient injected with acid instead of saline earns undisclosed settlement

Activist investors sue UnitedHealth to force annual reporting on patient care access

Trump DOJ launches probe into three medical schools over possible race-based admissions

Novartis sued for allegedly leaking data on breast cancer patient to Google, Contentsquare