Federal Courts are Leading the Way

Two recent Ninth Circuit decisions offer some guidance for how litigated claims might be evaluated.

In  Ellis v. Costco, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify a national class action against a large national discount retailer for gender discrimination.  The Court of Appeals discussed the importance of having relevant and reliable expert opinions when evaluating the admissibility of evidence in such motions.  Click here to read more.

In Maya v. Centex Corporation, the Court of Appeals was sympathetic to the plight of homeowners whose properties may have lost market value in the current housing crisis.  It is possible that other courts will consider Maya's public policy analysis and permit more stigma damage allegations in construction defect claims.  Click here to read more.

Physician Assistant Reporting Requirements

The mission of the Physician Assistant Committee of the Medical Board of California is to protect and serve consumers through licensing and enforcement of PA laws and regulations. This includes medical malpractice settlement reporting requirements and their impact on physician assistant settlements.  Click here to read more.

California Assembly Bill No. 2025 proposes an exception to the statutory rule of confidentiality during mediations (Evidence Code Section 1120) for clients who wish to use the content of their private communications with counsel during mediation as admissible evidence in a later action for legal malpractice.

 
State Bar of California                   State Bar of Nevada 

California Courts                                        Nevada Courts

California Medical Board       Nevada Medical Board 

California Contractors State License Board