Earlier this morning, a deeply divided Washington Supreme Court issued an opinion that allows defense lawyers in certain cases to speak privately with a medical malpractice plaintiff’s treating physicians. The Court’s decision today in Youngs v. PeaceHealth fundamentally changes the status quo in handling and investigating medical malpractice cases in Washington.
Blog
Washington Supreme Court Rules Another Medical Malpractice Reform Law Unconstitutional
This past week, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that yet another aspect of Washington’s recent medical malpractice reform laws is unconstitutional. In the case of Schroeder v. Weighall, the Court on Thursday ruled that minors who are plaintiffs in medical negligence cases are entitled to “toll” the statute of limitations applicable to their claim (a sort of “time out” from the statute of limitations)
Same Sex Marriage Issues Continue to Play on National Stage
The United States Supreme Court granted a stay to the State of Utah as to implementing the decision of a federal judge who struck down Utah’s ban on same sex marriage (Herbert v. Kitchen). The granting of the stay means that same sex marriage will remain illegal in Utah as the matter runs up the lower court appeals process.
Understanding the Eastside Catholic Situation
The public furor over the firing of an Eastside Catholic High School administrator emphasizes once again the complex interplay and separation between church and state. When considering the issue, keep several legal and Constitutional principles in mind.
IRS Opens Door For Some Washington Businesses to Receive ACA Credit
Employer Alert! The IRS issued guidance last week that certain small businesses in Washington can qualify for the Affordable Care Act’s small business tax credit if they provide their employees with health insurance that meets current rules, even if the employer’s principal business address is in a county not offering a qualified health plan
Employer Update: Affordable Care Act (ACA)
With recent announcements of delay, website troubles, and cancelled health insurance, many employers are left unsure what to make of it all. Here’s a quick update:
SeaTac's Ballot Proposition for $15 an Hour Minimum Wage Passes
Weeks after the close of the Washington state polls, the final ballots have been counted and state officials announced yesterday that Proposition 1 passed with a mere 77-vote margin.
Do For Profit Corporations Have Religious Liberty Rights?
Do for profit corporations have religious liberty rights under federal law and the US Constitution? The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear this issue by accepting certiori of Hobby Lobby v. Sebilius and several accompanying lower court decisions.
Education Law Presentation: Civil Rights of Student Athletes with Disabilities
Last week at the 59th ELA Annual Conference, I spoke on the looming challenges of meeting the civil rights of student athletes with disabilities. Earlier this year I blogged about this topic and its potential ramifications.
Minimum Wage Ballot Success in SeaTac Points to Possible Changes in Seattle
For those who haven’t been following the polls for the recent November 5th election, despite a few ballots still left to count, it appears that SeaTac Proposition 1 (a measure to raise the minimum wage in SeaTac to $15/hr for hospitality and transportation workers in and around SeaTac Airport) will pass.