Columbia Healthcare juggernaut goes Blue; huge chain targets a Blue Cross unit. Are its legal guns playing 'hardball,' or just being 'creative?'

Article Abstract:

Columbia/HCA's intended joint venture with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Ohio was announced on Mar 29, 1996 and resulted in a policyholder suit filed on May 10 against Cleveland Blue executives and attorneys. Former Sen Howard M Metzenbaum, a plaintiff's attorney in the suit, claims the $299.5 mil to be paid is a fire-sale price. The suit also alleges conflicts of interest on the part of the defendants. Opponents note that the Columbia acquisitions entice doctors employed by the target to stay by giving them part-ownership of the new entity. Critics charge the planned acquisition is a step in Columbia's plans to dominate the health care industry.

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, Nonresidential construction, not elsewhere classified, Hospital-Health Facilities, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Unfair competition (Commerce), Unfair competition, Health facilities construction, Health services administration, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio, Columbia Healthcare Corp.

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Perilous crossings - plaintiffs at risk; lawyers for Illinois train crash victims fear a deal with regulators favoring railroads

Article Abstract:

Plaintiffs' lawyers specializing in railroad crossing accident cases say tort reform and special deals between railroads, regulators, and legislators threaten their clients' rights. In particular, they fear policy makers will do away with common-law tort rights in exchange for industry commitments on costs or safety measures. The railroads' attorneys say fewer accidents occur, that accidents have gotten no worse, and that rising court costs justify special legislation. They note continued negligence liability.

Railroads, Rail Transportation, Statistics, Accidents, Association of American Railroads

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Victims of hemophilia - and delay; two camps battle for money and justice over blood products containing HIV virus

Article Abstract:

Hemophiliacs and their families have filed negligence suits across the US against the four drug manufacturers who make blood clotting products. The National Hemophilia Foundation is defendant in another 128 cases for alleged complicity in failure to warn blood product recipients of possible blood poisoning. The suits are marked by delay and fighting among the lawyers. The US Congress is considering a taxpayer-financed compensation fund.

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing, Biological products exc. diagnostic, Blood Plasma & Products, Drugs, Product liability, Personal injuries, Products liability, Blood coagulation factor VIII, Factor VIII (Blood coagulation), Hemophiliacs

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