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Supreme Court Rules on Mandatory Arbitration

Lower courts can stay but not dismiss the claims The Supreme Court Ruling In May of 2024 the U.S. Supreme Court heard an appeal under Section 3 of the Federal Arbitration Act.  In Smith v. Spizarri, the Supreme Court held that trial courts do not have the discretion to dismiss a lawsuit simply because it … Read more →

Court rules that payment of a traffic infraction by itself is admissible evidence in a personal injury case, even where the Defendant did not plead guilty

In every automobile injury accident case the Plaintiff must prove both negligence and damages flowing from the accident.   It is not uncommon that drivers who cause an accident plead guilty or no contest to the traffic charge, but later deny fault in a civil case after they are sued for money damages. In a recent … Read more →

Morningside House Assisted Living

a/k/a Morningside House of Leesburg 316 Harrison St, SE Leesburg, VA  20175 Phone 703-777-2777 Facility Characteristics: A note by Attorney Jeffrey J. Downey: Thank you for visiting my website.  Anyone who is considering the admission of a loved one into an assisted living facility should undertake a review of surveys or other data that will … Read more →

Death by “Natural Causes”

What does it mean and how reliable are death certificates Every person who dies in the United States must have a death certificate completed.  Many times that death certificate will list “natural causes” as the cause of death.  However, that is not a medical diagnosis explains Virgina Malpractice Attorney Jeffrey and often death certificates are … Read more →

Reality of Profit Nursing Homes – Prioritizing Profits Over the Safety And Well-Being Of Residents

The concept of for-profit nursing homes raises an inherent tension in healthcare.  Unfortunately, many nursing homes are the weakest link in our healthcare system, explains Virginia nursing home attorney Jeffrey Downey.  For profit chains like ManorCare, Infinity Healthcare, Consulate and Promedica have some of the worst track records, especially when compared to non-profit facilities. While … Read more →

The Need For Nursing Homes To Take Responsibility For Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can occur any time, any place, and by seemingly trusted individuals. One particularly disturbing area where this abuse occurs is within the healthcare setting. “Nursing home patients are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse,” explains nursing home attorney Jeffrey Downey. A recent example is the case of Dr. Robert Hadden, former Columbia University gynecologist. … Read more →

Transfer Trauma When Relocating Nursing Home Patients

By Jeffrey J. Downey Transfer trauma refers to the psychological stress and trauma associated with being uprooted from one facility or home and being placed in a new environment.  It is especially hard on demented residents who have less coping skills to adjust to a new environment, explains nursing home abuse attorney Jeffrey Downey. In … Read more →